Why is this procedure done?
Sometimes, a womans cervix is at risk for opening too early leading to preterm birth. With a cervical cerclage, the doctor sews your cervix closed until the birth process starts. ‚
The cervix is a part of your uterus that opens at the top of the vagina and joins the body of the uterus to the birth canal. When you are pregnant, your cervix should be tightly closed until near your due date. Some women have a cervix that starts to dilate too soon. Doctors call this an incompetent cervix. If the cervix dilates too soon, your baby may be born too early. ‚
Women with a weak or abnormal cervix can be helped by cervical cerclage. Your cervix stays closed as your baby grows and gets ready to be born. Sometimes, cervical cerclage is scheduled electively and other times cervical cerclage may be done more quickly. ‚
What will the results be?
Cervical cerclage helps the baby stay inside the uterus until the baby is full term. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drugs will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. ‚
The surgery may be done through the belly (laparoscopic) or through the birth canal. Your doctor decides which way is best for you and your baby. Both firmly close the cervix. ‚
Your doctor stitches a band of strong thread on all sides of your cervix to help hold your cervix closed. Stitches are often taken out at 37 to 38 weeks of pregnancy. If your water breaks or contractions start, the stitches will be taken out sooner. In patients who have C-sections, the stitches may be taken out right after your baby is born. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
Recovery time will depend on how the surgery was done. After the procedure, the staff will watch you for signs of premature labor. You may have to stay for a few hours or overnight. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You will need to stay in bed for a few days or until your doctor says you can go back to normal activities. You may have light bleeding or mild cramping for a few days. Vaginal discharge may also happen for the rest of your pregnancy. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. The doctor will be checking your cervix and watching for signs of premature labor. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Talk to your doctor about when you may safely have sex again. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop preterm birth
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Reaction to any drugs used during surgery
- Premature labor
- Your water breaks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Tearing of the cervix or womb ¢ ˆ ’ stitches must be removed before a vaginal child birth
- Damage to the cervix
- The cervix does not dilate normally during labor
- Need to have the belly wall opened to be able to close the cervix
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cervicalcerclage.html ‚
The March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/complications_cervical.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚