What does the term "incompetent cervix" imply?

Incompetent cervix is a condition where the cervix shortens and then dilates early in the pregnancy. This leads to either pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion in the second trimester) or an extremely premature delivery of less than 34 weeks gestation. This loss occurs with no traditional signs or symptoms of premature labor. Patients who suffer from incompetent cervix can still achieve successful term pregnancies with the placement of a cerclage, which can then be removed at the proper time.