Incompetent Cervix
Nursing Care Plan &
Management
image credit: pregmed.org
Description
1. Incompetent cervix is characterized by a painless dilation of the
cervical os without contractions of the uterus.
2. Incompetent cervix commonly occurs at about the 20th week of
pregnancy.
Aetiology
1. History of traumatic birth
2. Repeated dilation and curettage
3. Client’s mother treated with diethylstilboestrol (DES) when
pregnant with the client
4. Congenitally short cervix
5. Uterine anomalies
, 6. Unknown aetiology
Pathophysiology
Premature Dilation of the Cervix Nursing Care Plans
Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad
Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad: At risk for disruption of
maternal-fetal dyad as a result of a comorbid or pregnancy-related
conditions.
Related to:
▪ Complication of pregnancy (e.g. premature dilation of cervix)
▪ Physical or substance abuse
▪ Treatment-related side effects (e.g. medications)
Possibly evidenced by:
▪ Painless bleeding
▪ Rupture of membranes
▪ Uterine contractions
▪ Increased pelvic pressure
Risk factors:
▪ Increased maternal age
▪ Congenital structural defects
▪ Trauma to the cervix
Desired outcomes:
▪ Patient will verbalize understanding of individual risk factors or
conditions that may impact pregnancy.
▪ Patient will engage in necessary alterations in lifestyle and daily
activities to manage risks.
▪ Patient will identify signs and symptoms requiring medical
intervention or evaluation.
▪ Patient will display fetal growth within normal limits and carry
pregnancy to term.
Nursing Care Plan &
Management
image credit: pregmed.org
Description
1. Incompetent cervix is characterized by a painless dilation of the
cervical os without contractions of the uterus.
2. Incompetent cervix commonly occurs at about the 20th week of
pregnancy.
Aetiology
1. History of traumatic birth
2. Repeated dilation and curettage
3. Client’s mother treated with diethylstilboestrol (DES) when
pregnant with the client
4. Congenitally short cervix
5. Uterine anomalies
, 6. Unknown aetiology
Pathophysiology
Premature Dilation of the Cervix Nursing Care Plans
Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad
Risk for Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Dyad: At risk for disruption of
maternal-fetal dyad as a result of a comorbid or pregnancy-related
conditions.
Related to:
▪ Complication of pregnancy (e.g. premature dilation of cervix)
▪ Physical or substance abuse
▪ Treatment-related side effects (e.g. medications)
Possibly evidenced by:
▪ Painless bleeding
▪ Rupture of membranes
▪ Uterine contractions
▪ Increased pelvic pressure
Risk factors:
▪ Increased maternal age
▪ Congenital structural defects
▪ Trauma to the cervix
Desired outcomes:
▪ Patient will verbalize understanding of individual risk factors or
conditions that may impact pregnancy.
▪ Patient will engage in necessary alterations in lifestyle and daily
activities to manage risks.
▪ Patient will identify signs and symptoms requiring medical
intervention or evaluation.
▪ Patient will display fetal growth within normal limits and carry
pregnancy to term.
