Cervical Cerclage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
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.
HOW TO PREPARE:
The week before your procedure:
- Arrange to have someone drive you home. The person should stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you currently take. Include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicine before your procedure, and when to stop.
- Tell your provider about all allergies you have. Tell him or her if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
- You may need blood or urine tests before your procedure. You may also need an x-ray or ultrasound.
The night before your procedure:
You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
The day of your procedure:
- You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
- Take only the medicines your healthcare provider told you to take.
- Healthcare providers may put an IV into a vein in your arm. You may be given liquids or medicine through the IV.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
What will happen:
A speculum will be inserted into your vagina to hold it open. You may have a small incision in your abdomen instead. Stitches will be used to close your cervix tightly. If you have an abdominal incision, it will be closed with stitches.
After your procedure:
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
- You have a fever.
- You get a cold or the flu.
- You have questions or concerns about your procedure.
Seek Care Immediately if
- You feel something bulge out from your vagina.
- You have clear fluid coming from your vagina.
- You have lower abdominal or back pain.
- You have regular contractions.
- You have vaginal bleeding.
Risks
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Your cervix may tear. Your bladder, intestines, or amniotic sac may be damaged. Your risk for a miscarriage may increase. You may have contractions or vaginal bleeding. Your cervix may not be able to open or shorten in preparation for delivery. You may develop a permanent narrowing of your cervix. Your water may break and you may go into labor.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
