Cervical Cerclage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Cervical cerclage, or cervical stitch, is a procedure to close your cervix during pregnancy. Cerclage may help prevent premature delivery of your baby. The closure may be removed around week 37 of pregnancy. The procedure is usually done through the vagina but can be done through the abdomen.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- You feel something bulge out from your vagina.
- You have clear fluid coming from your vagina.
- You have contractions.
- You have lower abdominal or back pain.
Call your doctor or obstetrician if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your incision area is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have pus or a foul-smelling odor coming from your vagina.
- You have trouble urinating.
- You have vaginal bleeding.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be given to help decrease pain, soften your bowel movements, or prevent infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest as directed. You may need to rest in bed for 2 days. This promotes blood flow to the baby and may help prevent or decrease contractions.
- Do not place anything in your vagina. Examples include a douche or a tampon. Do not have sex until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
- Care for your incision area. Carefully wash the area with soap and water. Dry the area and put on a new, clean sanitary pad or bandage as directed. Change your pad or bandage when it gets wet or dirty. Check the area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
- Prevent constipation:
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish.
- Drink liquids as directed. Prune juice and water are good liquids to drink. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Follow up with your doctor or obstetrician as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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