What are the benefits of a cervical cerclage?
Placing a special stitch in your cervix should help to prevent you from losing your baby because of a weak cervix. However, the procedure itself can cause your membranes to rupture early or you to go into premature labour. Are there any alternatives to a cervical cerclage? The only alternative is to spend most of the time resting. You should also avoid any strenuous activity. What does the procedure involve? A cervical cerclage is usually performed under a spinal anaesthetic. The procedure usually takes between twenty minutes and half an hour. Your legs will be put in ‘stirrups’. Your obstetrician will use antiseptic to clean your vagina. They will place instruments in your vagina and use them to place a stitch, using a thick synthetic tape, into and around your cervix. What complications can happen? • Discomfort or mild cramping • Vaginal spotting or bleeding • Infection • Premature rupture of your membranes • Premature labour • Miscarriage • Damaged cervix How soon will I recover? Yo
