cervical pregnancy

Pregnancy and Childbirth: Transvaginal Cerclage
Your doctor suggests that you have cerclage. This procedure closes the cervix during a pregnancy. It is done to help prevent miscarriage or premature birth. Miscarriage is loss of a fetus early in pregnancy. Premature birth is delivery before the 37th week. Transvaginal cerclage involves reaching the cervix through the vagina to stitch it closed. Read on to learn more.

The Cervix and Pregnancy
The uterus (womb) is where the baby grows during pregnancy. The cervix is the opening from the uterus into the vagina. The cervix normally remains firmly closed until the baby is ready to be born. A short or weakened cervix may not be able to stay closed as the baby grows larger. This is called cervical insufficiency or cervical incompetence. If the cervix fails and opens too soon, miscarriage or premature birth may result.
How Cervical Cerclage Works
The goal of cerclage is to hold the cervix closed. This allows the baby to fully develop before leaving the womb. The doctor stitches the cervix closed at about week 12 of the pregnancy. At week 37, the baby should be ready for life outside the womb. So the doctor cuts the stitch. This allows the cervix to open when labor begins. Once you have a cerclage, you will likely need to have it for future pregnancies.
Risks and Possible Complications of Transvaginal Cerclage
The procedure is considered safe. But like all procedures, it carries some risks. These include the following:
Infection
Premature contractions
Premature labor
Premature delivery
Premature rupture of membranes
Pregnancy loss
Tearing or rupture of the cervix if labor begins before the stitch is removed
Injury to bladder
Risks of anesthesia
Preparing for the Procedure
Tell your doctor about all medications you take. This includes over-the-counter medications like vitamins and pain medications.
Do not put anything in your vagina for 24 hours before the procedure. This includes having intercourse.
If instructed, do not eat or drink anything (including water) after the midnight the night before the procedure. (If you have diabetes, ask your healthcare provider whether you need special preparations.)
The Day of the Procedure
Just before the procedure begins, an intravenous (IV) line is placed in your hand or arm. It delivers fluids and medication into the body.
You will be given anesthesia. This is medication to keep you free of pain during the procedure. Depending on what type you are given, you may be relaxed, drowsy, or fully asleep during the procedure.
During the procedure:
A speculum will be put into your vagina to hold it open.
Local anesthesia may be injected into the cervix to numb it.
The doctor uses instruments through the vagina to stitch the cervix closed. Surgical thread is used. Knots are made to hold the thread tight until it is cut later in your pregnancy. In many cases, the thread is wrapped around the cervix and pulled tight.
After the Procedure
You will be taken to a room where you’ll recover from the anesthesia. Nurses will check on you as you rest.
You will be watched for signs of premature labor. You will also be given medication that helps prevent premature labor.
Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored.
You will have some light bleeding and cramping. This is normal. You will likely be given pain medication. If you are still in pain, tell the nurse.
You may be able to go home later that day. Or you may stay overnight in a hospital room to be sure you do not go into premature labor. When you leave the hospital, have an adult friend or family member drive you home.
Recovering at Home
You may be prescribed medication to take at home. This may be medication to relieve pain. It may also be medication to prevent labor. Take any medication as prescribed.
Take it easy for 2-3 days after the procedure. Plan to have others help you as needed. Unless you are instructed to do so, you do not need to stay in bed.
Avoid having intercourse for at least 7 days after the procedure.
Ask your doctor when you can return to work and exercise.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff. During your follow-up visit, your doctor will check your healing. You can also discuss how your pregnancy is progressing. You will be told when to schedule an appointment to have the stitch removed.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if you notice any of the following:
A fever of 100.4°F or higher
Pain that does not go away even after taking pain medication
Contractions or abdominal cramping
Unexpected vaginal spotting or bleeding
Fluid leaking from the vagina
Bleeding from the vagina
Foul-smelling drainage from the vagina
Back or abdominal pain