- How is the surgery done
- How is recovery after cerclage
- Warning signs to return to the doctor
- How is childbirth after cerclage
Uterine cerclage is a procedure performed by means of surgery, in which you sew the cervix to prevent birth before the scheduled time, and it is indicated for women who have a cervical insufficiency, which is a dilation that can start in the first or second trimester of pregnancy, which can anticipate birth or lead to an abortion.
This minor surgery is done in the hospital and the woman only needs to stay in the hospital for only 1 or 2 days. Surgery is performed vaginally and can be done urgently or on a scheduled basis by the obstetrician.
Recovery from this surgery is quick and the woman can usually return to work in 3 to 5 days, and should avoid making too much effort. Surgery is usually successful and prevents premature delivery. Learn more about cervical insufficiency.
How is the surgery done
The surgery is relatively simple, takes about 20 minutes and consists of suturing the cervix with some stitches. Uterine cerclage can be performed between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation, through epidural anesthesia, and is usually performed vaginally, however, in some cases, the doctor may decide to do it by laparoscopy.
The procedure is safe for both the woman and the baby, but there are still some risks, such as the development of uterine infection, rupture of the aminotic membranes, vaginal bleeding or laceration of the cervix, for example.
When the woman is pregnant for the first time and discovers that her cervix is ​​insufficient through ultrasound, the doctor may perform urgent cerclage, but when the woman has already had another pregnancy and presented uterine insufficiency, had an abortion or performed conization of the uterus, the obstetrician may suggest that a scheduled uterine cerclage be performed, because there is a high probability of having to be performed.
Cerclage can only be performed during pregnancy and is not indicated for women who have not yet become pregnant, even if they have had previous abortions.
How is recovery after cerclage
After cerclage, the doctor can prescribe pain relievers and medications like Utrogestan, to prevent uterine contractions. Soon after, the doctor can do an ultrasound to see how the stitches were and to check if the baby is well and to check the success of the procedure.
The woman should rest and avoid intimate contact for the first few days. In addition, it is also not recommended to exercise, lift weights or make great efforts, at least for the first 3 days after surgery.
Warning signs to return to the doctor
Warning signs such as fever, severe abdominal pain, cramps, vaginal bleeding or a foul-smelling discharge may appear in the first few days and may indicate infection and, in these cases, medical help should be sought as soon as possible, because the infection puts life on hold of the mother and baby at risk.
How is childbirth after cerclage
Generally, the cerclage is removed at around 37 weeks of pregnancy, however, if the person already knows that the delivery will be performed by cesarean section, it is not necessary to remove the cerclage, as it may be useful in a next pregnancy.
The decision on the type of delivery should be discussed between the woman and the doctor, observing the indications, advantages and disadvantages of each one.
