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Step 1
What is a Cervical Cerclage?
It is a cervical stitch that is used to close the cervix of a pregnant woman who is at risk of pre-term labor. -
Step 2
Why is Cerclage recommended?
If you are a pregnant woman that has had a history of pre-term labor or an incompetent cervix, your doctor will probably recommend a cerclage to prevent delivery of the baby before 37 weeks.
If you have no history of complications in a previous pregnancy or have never been pregnant before, but your doctor finds you are dilated before 37 weeks. Your doctor will probably send you to the hospital to order an ultrasound and check the length of your cervix.
If your cervix is found to be short or that you are in fact dilated, your doctor will probably want to check you in for 24 to 48 hours into the hospital and observe you. They will check your medical history and decide if a cerclage is in you and your baby's best interest. -
Step 3
What are the risks?
The risks can sometimes be scary. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you say no to the procedure.
* Premature Labor
* Premature Contractions
* Cervical Dystocia (inability of the cervix to dilate normally throughout the pregnancy.)
* Rupture of membranes
* Cervical infection
* Cervical laceration if labor happens before the cerclage is removed
* Some risks involved with general anesthesia (vomiting or nausea) -
Step 4
Why should I agree to the procedure if it can cause me to go into labor anyway?
That can only be answered by you, the pregnant woman. Depending on when your condition is detected can be a big factor.
It can help prevent miscarriage or premature labor.
If you have been diagnosed with an incompetent cervix in a previous pregnancy your doctor will probably recommend this to be done between 12-14 weeks.
If your condition is new and you have never been diagnosed with an incompetent cervix or pregnant before, it depends on what week you are found with the condition.
If you are 20 weeks to 30 weeks pregnant, depending on what the doctor finds, they may recommend you do the stitch to save the baby. They will also take into consideration your age and your health. This procedure is not done lightly. Specialists will be called in to look over your ultrasound and will confer with your doctor to decide the best course of action for you and your baby.
If you are 30 weeks -36 weeks, your doctor depending on your history will most likely just keep you in the hospital on bed rest. Don't think of staying in the hospital as a bad thing. There you will be monitored and the safety of you and your baby will be the first priority. -
Step 5
What else should I know about if I have a cerclage?
Your doctor will most likely put you on bed rest for the rest of your pregnancy.
For some women this can mean partial bed rest or for others can mean full time bed rest.
Partial bed rest is 4 hours in a reclined position, not necessarily in bed.
Full bed rest is 8 hours in a reclined position, most likely in bed.
Bed rest means:
No heavy lifting
No bending to pick up things (squat down to pick up)
No exercise
No running errands
No intercourse
And anything else your doctor advises against
You will probably make weekly visits to your doctor's office to be monitored. -
Step 6
If you are still not sure about having the procedure done, talk to health professionals. Go to the hospital where you are having your baby if you are not already there, and talk with the nurses, techs, aides, etc. They may have gone through the same thing you are going through.
If you are still uncomfortable with the idea, ask to see both your doctor and the specialist at the same time and tell them your concerns. They are there for you and only want your best interest. -
Step 7
I've decided to go ahead with the procedure. What should I look for after the procedure.
* You may stay in the hospital for a short period to be monitored.
* You can have discharge or light bleeding which should go away in a few days.
* May receive medication to prevent infection
Comments
tracysmith159 said
on 6/14/2009 Good article for pregnat women. Stay calm is the best advice I can give you when dealing with any pregency issues.
ruf1950 said
on 6/13/2009 VERY informative and well written article. 5***** and a recommend.
joycetmann said
on 6/13/2009 Important article for a lot of women. thanks.
catnight said
on 6/13/2009 Thats wonderful! There is bound to be MANY women worried about this who will truely appreciate such a well written explination!
cherylphillips said
on 6/13/2009 great article!!! 5*