What is the definition of cervical insufficiency?

Cervical insufficiency is defined as the inability of the uterine cervix to retain a pregnancy in the absence of contractions or other symptoms, particularly during the second trimester. This condition often leads to recurrent pregnancy loss, typically without any prior warning signs, making it crucial to identify and manage appropriately.

The focus on the second trimester is particularly significant because this is when cervical insufficiency often presents as a cause for mid-pregnancy loss. In contrast, the first trimester is more commonly associated with other issues, such as chromosomal abnormalities or pregnancy failure, rather than cervical incompetence. Therefore, it is the absence of contractions and symptoms in this period that helps define cervical insufficiency accurately.

Options that suggest situations like cervical changes detected only during labor, or the complete closure of the cervical canal, either misrepresent the condition or describe different clinical scenarios. Understanding the specific characteristics and timing of cervical insufficiency is essential for proper diagnosis and management.