About this topic
Sometimes, a womans cervix is at risk for opening too early which can lead to preterm birth. With a cervical cerclage, the doctor sews your cervix closed until the birth process starts. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says you need to do.
- You will need to rest in bed for a few days. Ask your doctor when you can go back to your normal daily activities.
- You may have light vaginal bleeding and mild cramping. Bleeding should stop after a few days.
- You may have some thick vaginal drainage which may last for the rest of the time you are pregnant.
- Your doctor may ask you to not to have sex for at least 1 week.
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.
- Remind your doctor that you have had a cervical cerclage.
- The stitches will be taken out by your doctor when the birth process starts.
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
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction such as wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of labor like contractions or lower back pain
- Belly pain or cramping
- Water breaks or leaks
- Vaginal bleeding
- Upset stomach or throwing up
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have contractions, belly pain, my water breaks, or I have vaginal bleeding.
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cervicalcerclage.html ‚
The March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚