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Cerclage, also known as a Cervical Stitch, is a procedure recommended to prevent premature birth caused by an incompetent or weakened cervix. Located at the lowest part of the uterus, the cervix acts like a purse or pouch that should remain closed to protect the developing baby during pregnancy. During a Cervical Cerclage Treatment Centre in Dhakuria, your healthcare provider will insert one or more sutures (stitches) into the cervix to keep it securely closed. While the idea of undergoing Cerclage therapy may cause anxiety, it's reassuring to know that about 90% of cases are successful. If you've been diagnosed with a short or incompetent cervix in a previous pregnancy, discussing Cerclage with your healthcare provider can help ensure a safe pregnancy and address any concerns you may have.
The cervix begins to dilate, or expand, as your body prepares to give birth. However, it may open too quickly if your cervix is weak or suffers from other issues. A miscarriage or early delivery might come from this.
Your cervix may appear weak if:
You've previously undergone Cervical Cerclage, particularly after the 14th week of pregnancy (Emergent Cerclage).
You've had a Loop Electrical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or a Cone Biopsy of the cervix.
You've previously experienced painless cervical dilatation and loss of pregnancy in the second trimester.
During the second trimester, your cervix begins to dilate painlessly, opening up.
You previously had a short cervical length before 24 weeks of pregnancy and gave birth before 34 weeks of pregnancy.
Due to one or more previous abortions, your cervix has been damaged.
A Cervical Cerclage might not be appropriate for you even if your cervix widens prematurely if you have any of the following conditions:
Preterm labour
Vaginal bleeding
An infection inside your womb
A foetal abnormality that increases the risk of your baby not surviving
A leakage in your amniotic sac, often known as the "bag of waters," occurs prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
You are carrying two or more children (high-order pregnancy).
There are several steps you can expect before your Cerclage operation:
An examination of your past medical records: Your healthcare practitioner will review your medical history and talk with you about any previous cervix-related procedures or difficulties before performing a Cervical Cerclage surgery.
Ultrasound: To assess the health and progress of your unborn child, your doctor could take an ultrasound picture of your womb. To check for infections, your doctor may either collect a sample of your cervical mucus or do an amniocentesis, which involves carefully inserting a needle through your abdomen into your uterus.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be necessary if you have an infection. You must complete the therapy before getting a Cervical Cerclage.
Your doctor will give you anaesthesia prior to the operation. If regional anaesthesia is used, which is also known as a spinal or epidural, a needle will be used to inject the medication into your back. Alternatively, you can have general anaesthesia, which makes you unconscious.
Both the belly (transabdominal) and the vagina (transvaginal) methods are used for the surgery.
Transvaginal: This is the method that is most frequently used. To access the cervix, your doctor will hold your vagina open using a device known as a speculum. The cervix will subsequently be closed by sewing.
Transabdominal: If you have previously had a cervical stitch that failed, you may require this type of surgery. If your cervix is too short, you can also have it. A small cut will be made on your stomach. In order to access and shut your cervix, they might have to pull your uterus up.
If you have a high risk of preterm labour, it's advisable to go over your alternatives in detail with your healthcare professional. It is advisable to have a Cervical Cerclage operation if you have a weak cervix since this will avoid preterm labour (labour that starts before 37 weeks).
Your doctor could examine your baby with another ultrasound. After the procedure, you can experience symptoms for a few days. These could consist of:
Bloodstains
Cramps
Discomfort with urination
Acetaminophen is available for pain relief
You may need to stay in the hospital for a while if you get the procedure because you have a history of Cerclage or if your cervix has already begun to open
You might need to see your doctor every one to two weeks to have your cervix checked before your baby is born.
After your Cerclage operation, your healthcare practitioner will advise you to rest for a week to ten days to give your cervical sutures enough time to heal. You must adhere to their directions throughout this period. They'll probably suggest that you:
Avoid having sex or sticking anything like douches or other feminine items inside your vagina.
Go gentle on yourself. Avoid doing heavy lifting or intense activity.
Until your pregnancy comes to a full term, or about the 37th week, your Cerclage will remain in place.
Like during a vaginal exam, you will lie back on an examination table with your legs spread wide and both of your feet in stirrups.
The sutures in your cervix will be taken out by your healthcare professional.
The process for removal of Cervical Cerclage will take a few minutes. If your water breaks or you go into labour, your Cerclage can be taken out sooner.
Similar to any surgical procedure, complications from a Cerclage might include:
Bleeding vaginally
An infection or cervix tear
Water breaking too early
Premature delivery or labour
Miscarriage
Narrowing of the cervix (cervical stenosis)
If you notice any fluid coming out of your vagina, give your doctor a call.