During the pregnancy Different complications can occur, in some cases quite serious and in others less serious. However, any disorder during pregnancy, can put you at risk the health and even the life of the baby. Currently there are different medical techniques that are used to prevent premature birth or miscarriage as much as possible in many cases.
One of these techniques is known as cervical cerclage, a maneuver that consists of suturing the cervix. This prevents contractions from occurring too early and thus delaying labor for as long as possible possible. Cervical cerclage is not done in all cases, so you shouldn't be overly concerned if your doctor doesn't tell you about it.
However, being aware of this type of complications that can occur during pregnancy, It is essential to cope with any situation, calmly and serenity. If it were the case that you had to undergo this treatment, your doctor will explain what it consists of and solve all your doubts. We will tell you what exactly cervical cerclage consists of and in which cases it is performed.
What is cervical cerclage
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The cervix carries enormous weight throughout pregnancy and as the time of delivery approaches, it widens to accommodate the birth of the baby. This delicate area is covered by tendons and fibers that prevent bacteria and external agents from entering the body that can harm the baby, in addition to supporting the amniotic sac and the baby that grows inside it.
In some cases, the cervix begins to dilate a few weeks earlier for the pregnancy to end. This can seriously compromise the continuity of the pregnancy and with it, the life of the baby. Since if the baby is not at an optimal level of development, the probability of surviving outside the uterus is greatly reduced.
When this happens, a medical technique known as cervical cerclage is usually performed, which consists of strengthening or narrowing the cervix, to delay the birth of the baby as much as possible. As usual, cervical cerclage is done through the vagina and is known as transvaginal cervical cerclage. The specialist performs a suture with nylon or metallic thread, depending on the case, and in this way the cervix is reinforced so that it is able to hold the fetus inside.
In which cases is uterine cerclage performed
Typically, the cervix shortens and softens towards the end of pregnancy, so that it favors the delivery of the baby through the birth canal. When this occurs too early, even in the first weeks of pregnancy, there is a serious risk of fetal loss. So, it is in the following cases in which the maneuver is usually performed called cervical cerclage.
- In women with a short cervix. Some women have a shorter cervix than usual, less than 25 centimeters. If this is detected during the first trimester of pregnancy or towards the beginning of the second, cerclage will likely be performed to minimize the risks of miscarriage or premature delivery.
- Dilation begins in the second trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, the cervix may begin to dilate before reaching the third trimester gestation. When this occurs, cerclage is performed to prevent the baby from being born too premature.
- If cerclage has been performed in previous pregnancies. Women who have already undergone cervical cerclage in previous pregnancies have more likely to have to go through it in all her pregnancies.
- When there is a history of abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, fetal loss in the second half of pregnancy occurs as consequence of premature dilation. As it does not cause discomfort, it is very difficult to paralyze the dilation to delay labor.
If your doctor informs you that a cervical cerclage is necessary, you should trust the expert hands of specialists. This technique It has been carried out since the 60s, with great success In most cases. Trust your body and follow your doctor's advice.