The cervix or the uterine cervix is the lower portion of the uterus (or the womb). The unborn baby or the fetus grows in the upper part or the body of the uterus. It is the cervix that connects the main body of the uterus to the vagina lower down.
There are two parts of the cervix. The portion of the cervix which is closest to the body of the uterus is the inner cervix or the endocervix. That part of the cervix next to the vagina is the outer cervix or the exocervix (or ectocervix).
During pregnancy, your cervix also starts to undergo changes in preparation to deliver your baby. Before pregnancy, it is generally supposed to be closed and rigid so that it protects uterus. However, during pregnancy, your cervix softens, decreases in its length (effacement) and opens up (dilation) as your baby starts to grow.
The time when your normal delivery occurs is also determined by your uterine contractions and amount of cervical dilation.
What is cervical cerclage procedure ?
Cervical cerclage, otherwise the cervical stitch, is basically a treatment for cervical incompetence or insufficiency. That is when the cervix shortens and opens too soon during a pregnancy resulting in either a later miscarriage or preterm (premature) birth. Usually this treatment is to be during the second trimester of pregnancy, especially in women with late miscarriages in their past.
So how does cervical cerclage procedure work ?
The treatment comprises of a placing a strong suture into the cervix and its surrounding areas in early pregnancy itself (frequently between 12 to 14 weeks), and then removing it nearing the end of the full term pregnancy after the maximum risk of miscarriage has passed.
When is cervical cerclage procedure indicated ?
In women with a history of prior spontaneous premature birth and who are pregnant again, or who have shortening of the cervical length lesser than 25 mm (<25mm), a cervical cerclage averts a preterm birth and reduces chances of baby’s death and illness.
What are the risks of cervical cerclage procedure ?
There are no major risks associated with the Cervical Cerclage procedure. However, the potential complications include :
- Risks of regional or general anesthesia
- Premature or pre-term labour
- Premature rupture of the uterine membranes4) Cervical infection
- Infection of the amniotic sac (also known as chorioamnionitis)
- Rupture of cervix (if the stitch has not been removed before labour)
- Vaginal bleeding
How is the cervical cerclage procedure performed ?
There are many ways to do this, but a common method is to use a purse-string stitch to clinch the cervix shut; the cervical stitching involves putting a band of suture at the upper part of the cervix while the lower part has already started to efface.
What is the follow-up after a cervical cerclage procedure ?
After the cerclage placement, the patient has to be under observation for at least a few hours (sometimes even overnight) to ensure that she does not have premature labor. The patient can then return home, but should stay in bed and avoid average physical activity (including coitus) for atleast two to three days, extending even up to two weeks. Follow-up appointments need to be scheduled so that your doctor can observe cervix and its stitch as well as watch for premature labour.
How to find gynecologists for cervical cerclage procedure ?
Now you can find gynecologists for cervical cerclage procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost of cervical cerclage procedure from various hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for cervical cerclage procedure.
Find and choose a gynecologist for cervical cerclage procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
