Pregnant women, we understand the importance of your baby's safety. If you're worried about a weak cervix, cervical cerclage might be the solution. Let's dive into what it is, who can benefit, and what to expect, ladies.
What Is Cervical Cerclage?
Cervical cerclage is a procedure to temporarily close the cervix during pregnancy. Its goal is to prevent premature birth for women with cervix weakness. This stitch-up helps protect your baby until delivery day. It involves one or more stitches at the cervix opening to keep it closed and secure during pregnancy.
Why is this done? Some women have a weak cervix that can't stay closed during pregnancy, a condition known as cervical insufficiency. This weakness can lead to premature birth, which may not involve painful contractions.
Diagnosing a Weak Cervix
An obstetrician might diagnose cervical weakness if you've had surgery on your cervix or experienced a second-trimester miscarriage, have an abnormal uterus shape, damage, or have a history of premature birth. If your cervix is short, your doctor might also recommend cerclage. However, if you've never given birth prematurely or are expecting twins, this procedure may not be suitable. If it's recommended, it's typically done during the second trimester, around 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy.
The obstetrician will diagnose cervical weakness first before the procedure is carried out
Understanding the Types of Cerclage
Cerclage comes in two types: transvaginal cerclage and transabdominal cerclage.
- Transvaginal cerclage involves sutures placed through the vagina. These are usually removed after 37 weeks of gestation.
- Transabdominal cerclage requires making an incision in the abdomen to reach the cervix and stitching it up. This type is usually left until delivery through a caesarean section. It can also be left in place between pregnancies to prevent premature birth or miscarriage in the future.
Recovery and Rest
After the surgery, your healthcare provider will recommend taking it easy for one to ten days to allow the stitches to heal properly. During this time, avoid sexual intercourse, inserting anything into the vagina, and strenuous activities or exercise. Light activities are recommended during the recovery period.
During the recovery period, it is recommended to do light activities only
Potential Risks and Complications
While you can resume your daily activities after the cerclage procedure, some risks and complications may occur. These include:
- Bleeding or spotting for about three days
- Clear fluid discharge from the vagina
- Mild cramping
- Infection
- Cervix damage
- Bleeding
- Premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to premature birth
- Cervical stenosis (permanent narrowing of the cervix)
- Scar tissue formation on the cervix
- Tearing of the cervix or uterus if labor occurs with the stitches still intact
Cervical cerclage is a procedure that successfully prevents premature birth in about 90% of cases, so there's no need to worry. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy health, discuss them with your obstetrician. Explore more pregnancy-related articles on Fitie. Your baby's safety is our priority!