A 30-year-old woman, G3P0, presents to the obstetrics clinic at 14 weeks of gestation for routine follow-up. She has a history of two second-trimester pregnancy losses at 18 and 20 weeks. No previous infections or labor complications were reported. The patient denies any cramping, vaginal bleeding, or fluid leakage. Which of the following findings is most suggestive of cervical incompetence during pregnancy?