4 Reasons Incompetent Cervix Is A Harmful Term

Getting pregnant can be both scary and exciting at the same time. All types of emotions come to the surface when trying to conceive, and added complications can make the intensity rise. Discovering you have a condition that may present challenges for your pregnancy is difficult enough, but certain medical terms are harshly worded. The reasons incompetent cervix is a harmful term, for example, show why doctors need to consider a more sensitive approach when giving names to medical conditions.

As Mayo Clinic explained, "an incompetent cervix, also called a cervical insufficiency, is a condition that occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy." Although the American Pregnancy Association noted that incompetent cervix only affects one out of every 100 pregnancies, those women who are affected deserve a term with more dignity. Most moms-to-be are hit with the news about their cervix between 16 and 24 weeks gestation, as Baby Center pointed out. If you or another woman in your life are told you have incompetent cervix, remember that the reasons this term is harmful have nothing to do with you, but is unfortunately outdated and insensitive wording.

It Deflates Your Spirits

This terminology has demoralizing connotations causing you to feel like your body is incapable, or that you did something wrong to cause this condition. As the emotions bubble up, it may be hard to see that this is not your fault and none of your previous choices brought this on. Women with pregnancy risks should find the support of others who have their backs and know they are not alone.

It Can Cause Anxiety

Hearing the words "incompetent cervix" can bring on a flood of feelings that add stress to the pregnancy. As Mayo Clinic explained, learning you have incompetent cervix may cause anxiousness and fears about what the future holds. Learning the facts and safe ways to de-stress can be helpful if this happens.

It Sounds Untreatable

Hearing these words can be scary, but being diagnosed with incompetent cervix doesn't mean you don't have options. Some women with this condition are eligible for a cervical cerclage, which is a procedure that closes the cervix with stitches until it's time to safely deliver the baby, according to the American Pregnancy Association.

It Stirs Up Past Hurt

Learning that your cervix is weakened can spark memories from the past that cause feelings of pain and sadness. As Baby Center explained, incompetent cervix can result in miscarriage during some pregnancies. For some moms, hearing these words may make them relive the feelings of their loss and wonder why they weren't diagnosed sooner.