How to Have a Cervical Cerclage

A pregnant woman experiencing symptoms of Incompetent Cervix will require a cervical cerclage. A Cervical Cerclage is placed around the cervix to prevent premature dilation and loss of the baby. A cerclage is the normal treatment for Incompetent Cervix and is normally done after the 12th week of pregnancy. A Cervical Cerclage is effective in preventing preterm labor in 85%-90% of cases.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cervical Cerclage
• Bedrest
• Anesthesia

1. 
   Cerclage on Cervix

   When a woman's cervix is weakened by an underlying condition it can have trouble supporting a pregnancy. A cervix that shortens, funnels or dilates before full term falls into the category of Incompetent Cervix. A cervix that has been closed by cerclage will help the baby stay in the mother until it is time to be born.

2. 
   Cerclage

   A cervical cerclage is most effective if placed between the 12th and 16th week. However some pregnant women may need a cerclage placed later in pregnancy known as an emergent cerclage. A cervical cerclage is similar to a drawstring purse. It is placed with an in and out running stitch that is drawn to a close and tied with a series of knots.

3. 
   Anesthesia

   A cervical cerclage is placed during a surgical procedure. A pregnant woman will be given the option to have an epidrual, a spinal block (spinal), or general anesthesia. All these types of anesthesia are different and they each have their own set of risks. You should talk to your doctor before the procedure about any problems you have had in the past under anesthesia.

4. 
   Normal and Funneling Cervix

   A cervical cerclage may be considered if a woman is at risk for cervical insufficiency. This could be determined if the woman has had previous second trimester loss, a cone biopsy, LEEP procedure, or a cervix that is damaged and weakened due to abortion or D&C. A woman is not a good candidate for a cervical cerclage if her water has broken or she has sufficient dilation.

5. 
   Bedrest

   A cerclage placement is as unique as your doctor. You may have general anesthesia and a hospital stay or an outpatient placement with a spinal or epidural. Bedrest either at home or in the hospital is the normal course for recovery, until bleeding and cramping has stopped. Plan to relax during the 2-3 days following the procedure at which time light duty activity can be resumed in many cases.

6. 
   Labor and Delivery

   The cerclage will be left in until the doctor determines it must be taken out. 36 weeks is the normal time to have the stitch removed, unless labor progresses before then. Having a cerclage placement can make dilation during labor hard, however doctors feel the risk of that is outweighed by the benefit of the stitch. Most women who have had a cerclage will require one in future pregnancies.

Tips & Warnings

• Rest at home with your feet up as much as possible.
• If cramping is felt after you have healed decrease activity and call your doctor.
• Consider raising the foot of the bed a few inches off the ground to simulate the Trendelenburg Position.
• If severe bleeding or cramping occurs after placement of a cerclage seek medical attention.
• If you run a fever after a cerclage placement this could be signs of infection and the doctor should be notified.
• If your water breaks or contractions start see your doctor or hospital immediately.

Resources

• Signs and Treatment Incompeten Cervix

[Butterfli]

on 7/17/2009 Very well written and informative article! 5*

[sonni57]

on 3/25/2009 Well done article on cervical cerclage I didn't know what this was.