If a woman has no history of an incompetent cervix, it usually cannot be prevented. After the diagnosis is made, treatment is available for future pregnancies.
The long-term effects of an incompetent cervix are premature labor and miscarriage with each pregnancy. The emotional suffering after one or more miscarriages can be severe. Treatment is often successful in allowing full-term pregnancy and normal delivery.
An incompetent cervix is not contagious and poses risks only to the mother and baby.