Soft Cervix vs. Incompetent Cervix: Understanding the Difference

Question
first day of last menstural period: 28 march 2006
i'm just wanting 2 know if a soft cervix is the same as an incompetant cervix? As this is my second pregnancy and i had troubles with my firstand was told i have a sft cervix.  With my first i started getting really bad pains at around 33 weeks by 35 weeks i made an  appointment with the gp and i was 4 cm dilated, i then went to the hospital and was then 6 cm dilated, i stayed about that far dilated for a week then 36 weeks pregnant. i'm just really worried that because i've already had one baby my cervix might be even softer and go into labour even earlier this time. PLease help as the gp's i have spoken to are hopeless.
THANKS

Answer
First of all, I would consult an obstetrician. Then I would get a sonogram to see if the cervix is shortened or if there is evidence of "funneling". You are now only 15 weeks pregnant. I would wait to take the sonogram until 20 weeks gestation (it is more accurate at that time). A soft cervix usually becomes soft at around 35 weeks gestation. If  it is not dilated, you need not worry. A soft cervix is not equl to an incompetent cervix. If you have any doubts, make an appointment with an obstetrician and have it evaluated completely. Certainly, if you start to have contractions, check it out.