An incompetent cervix, also called a cervical insufficiency, is a potentially serious condition of pregnancy that occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. This type of condition has been described by experts as a “diagnostic dilemma”. Because an incompetent cervix can often be difficult to diagnose, physicians should be constantly on the alert for this condition.
If there is any suspicion of this condition, a health care provider could recommend preventive medication during pregnancy (progesterone supplementation), frequent ultrasounds and/or a procedure that surgically closes the cervix with strong sutures (cervical cerclage). Medical management of pre-term labor is also extremely important, including attempts to stop labor and, too, to provide corticosteroid injections if delivery becomes imminent (which “matures” premature fetal lungs, giving “preemies” a better chance to breathe successfully once born).
The causes of incompetent cervix vary and must be determined in a timely matter by medical professionals in order to select the proper method of treatment. If proper care is not taken, extreme premature birth can result, which increases risks of complications in the newborn, such as intraventricular brain bleeds and periventricular leukomalacia which can cause cerebral palsy.
The cost of care for a child with cerebral palsy, or any birth injury, is very high. If your child’s brain injury was caused by a complication of premature birth, including cervical incompetence, contact The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (800-403-7259). When you call, you will speak with an experienced Baltimore Medical Malpractice attorney absolutely FREE.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case. The attorneys at Yost Legal Group are experienced, caring professionals ready to investigate your claim with compassion and determination. Call us today to receive a free, confidential consultation about your possible case. At The Yost Legal Group, there is no fee or expense unless you recover.