Is Normal Delivery Possible After Cervical Cerclage?
Cervical cerclage is done to prevent premature birth. Women who are at an increased risk of delivering a pre-term baby due to a weakened cervix might be offered this treatment. For women who are getting cervical cerclage, your biggest concern must be, “Is normal delivery possible after cervical cerclage”? Fortunately, yes. An obstetrician-gynecologist in Navi Mumbai might attempt normal delivery after removing cervical stitches. Here are more details about the procedure and the birthing options.
What is Cervical Cerclage?
Cervical cerclage refers to placing stitches on the cervix to keep it closed until you approach your delivery date. These will be removed when delivery is no longer considered premature. Your cervix is stitched when your doctor suspects a premature delivery because of an incompetent cervix, which is likely to open too soon, resulting in premature delivery.
The procedure is carried out around the second trimester and is mostly done on women with a history of pregnancy loss in the second trimester or a short cervix detected during an ultrasound.
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Factors Influencing Delivery Method
Normal delivery is possible in women with a stitched cervix, although in a small percentage of cases, the healthcare provider recommends a c-section. Here’s what affects your delivery mode.
i) Cervix Health:
Your cervix needs to be intact and stabilized after cerclage removal if you want to attempt a vaginal delivery. Suppose the stitches weren’t removed already when you get into labor and the cervix tears. In that case, an immediate C-section delivery might be needed to prevent complications.
ii) Types of Cerclage:
Transvaginal cerclage, i.e., placing the stitches through the vagina, is the most common method of cerclage. Vaginal delivery is likely after transvaginal cerclage, as these can be removed before labor. Transabdominal cerclage, however, is a more complex procedure that involves stitching the cervix through your abdomen. In a transabdominal cerclage, the stitches remain in place, requiring a cesarean delivery.
iii) How Labor Progresses:
If labor progresses well and there’s no sign of an infection, fetal distress, or other complications, there’s a good chance you’ll deliver vaginally. If you experience pre-term labor, a c-section might be a safer bet.
Normal Delivery After Cervical Cerclage
You can talk to your doctor about a suitable time for a cervical cerclage removal surgery in Navi Mumbai to prepare yourself for vaginal birth. Once the stitches are removed and your cervix appears functional, you can opt for a normal delivery.
Potential Risks and Challenges
If the cervix is unable to maintain stability or strength for labor post-cerclage removal, cesarean delivery may be more appropriate. That’s because labor can cause cervical tears. There’s also a risk of infection around the surgical site, which can lead to complications during labor. Moreover, your doctor will remove cervical stitches around the 36th week of gestation, which might increase the chances of pre-term labor and birth. Vaginal delivery isn’t possible in cases with a history of multiple c-section deliveries. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of each delivery method, helping you make an informed decision.