Cervical cerclage: Overview
Cervical cerclage (say "SER-vuh-kul ser-KLAZH") is a procedure that helps keep the cervix from opening too soon before delivery.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. It leads to the vagina. During pregnancy, it is tightly closed to protect the baby. Normally, it doesn't open until the baby is ready to be born. Most of the time, this happens at 37 to 42 weeks. But sometimes it opens too early.
In cervical cerclage, the doctor sews the cervix shut early in the pregnancy. The stitches are removed in time for the baby to be born.
You may get medicine that makes you unconscious. Or you may get medicine that makes the cervix numb. The procedure will take less than an hour. You may go home the same day.
This procedure can help some high-risk pregnancies last longer. But it also has risks. It can cause infection or miscarriage.
Why is cervical cerclage done?
Cervical cerclage may be done if you have cervical insufficiency or have a history of cervical insufficiency. This means that the cervix starts to open too early in pregnancy. You may have a history of cervical insufficiency if you:
- Had a previous pregnancy loss in the second trimester or an early delivery that occurred with few or no contractions. This is a clue that your cervix may not stay closed during pregnancy.
- Have a short cervix and have a history of early delivery.
How is cervical cerclage done?
Cervical cerclage is done using either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (such as spinal injection). Usually cerclage is done through the vagina. A tool called a speculum is placed in the vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit. This lets your doctor see the cervix and inside the vagina. The procedure can be done in different ways:
- Stitches can be placed around the outside of the cervix.
- A special tape can be tied around the cervix and stitched in place.
- A small incision can be made in the cervix. A special tape is then tied through the cervix to close it.
If cervical insufficiency is diagnosed later in pregnancy, the amniotic sac may start to push through the cervix. This may be treated in many different ways. One way is to insert a thin tube (catheter) through the cervix, and then inflating a bulb at the end of the catheter. Another technique involves filling the bladder with liquid using a catheter inserted through the urethra. The full bladder helps to push the amniotic sac back up into the pelvis. Then the cervix can be stitched shut.
After cervical cerclage to prevent preterm delivery: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have sudden, severe pain in your belly.
- You have severe vaginal bleeding.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new pelvic pain, or the pain in your pelvis gets worse.
- You have a new discharge from your vagina.
- You have a fever.
- You have any vaginal bleeding.
- You have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina.
- You think that you are in labor.
- You have low back pain or pelvic pressure that does not go away.
- You've been having regular contractions for an hour. This means that you've had at least 8 contractions within 1 hour or at least 4 contractions within 20 minutes, even after you change your position and drink fluids.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated