Types of stitches
Problems and risks with cerclage
If you have previously given birth to (and/or miscarried) a previous baby during the middle phase of pregnancy and it is thought this may be due to cervical incompetence, your doctor may recommend placing a strong stitch into your cervix to reinforce it and keep it closed. The stitching procedure is also referred to as 'cerclage' (meaning 'encircling with a ring or loop'). This intervention aims to act as a precautionary measure to prevent the cervix opening prematurely.
The stitch can be put in 'electively' or as an 'emergency'.
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Electively using a stitch, means it is put in 'just in case'. Elective stitches can be inserted late in the 1st trimester (10 to 12 weeks) or early in the second trimester (12 to 16 weeks). However, it is a common practice to place the stitch in at around 14 weeks, after the risk period of early miscarriage has passed. In rare circumstances, the stitch may be put in before the woman conceives. |
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The procedure is regarded as an 'emergency stitch' if it is put in place because the caregiver feels the cervix may be starting to open, or it is obvious that it is already dilated to a certain degree. An emergency cerclage is normally carried out sometime after 18 weeks, depending on the circumstances. The woman's cervix must be less than 4cm dilated to give the stitch any chance of being effective. |
Inserting a stitch into the cervix is a surgical procedure and is carried out in the operating theatre using an
epidural or
spinal anaesthetic. Sometimes a
general anesthetic is used. You may be able to go home a few hours afterwards, or your caregiver may recommend that you rest in hospital overnight, especially if you are experiencing cramping or excessive bleeding.