Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure used to keep the cervix closed during the pregnancy.  The cervix is the opening of the uterus.  It is used to prevent a miscarriage or premature delivery if you have an incompetent cervix.  An incompetent cervix is a cervix that opens too early in a pregnancy.  Stitching around the cervix helps keep it closed as the baby grows.  The procedure may be used if you have a history of miscarriages during the middle third of pregnancy.  Usually cerclage is performed during the fourth month of pregnancy.  It is not recommended in the last three months of pregnancy.  An alternative treatment for incompetent cervix is bedrest that may last several months.

PROCEDURE

Your doctor will stitch a band of strong thread around your cervix and tighten it to hold th cervix firmly closed.  This thread is usually left in your cervix until your ninth month.  The doctor will then cut the thread when labor starts or at about the 38th week so you can deliver the baby normally.

BENEFITS

Cerclage prevents miscarriage or premature delivery caused by cervical incompetence.  The procedure is successful in 85% to 90% of cases.  However, if the thread is removed at the end of your pregnancy, the cerclage procedure may have to be repeated with each of your next pregnancies.