Cervical Shortening & Preterm Labor: Understanding Cerclage

Question
i am 22 and this is my 2nd pregnancy. my first child was born at 26 wks at 2 lbs, and has grown to be a smart and vivacious child. i am currently 22 weeks and 2 days and my cervix is less than 2 cm long and i am already 1 1/2 cm dialated. the doctor wants to schedule a cerclage and i am nervous. how affective will this be during my pregnancy?

Answer
Hi Jevenly :)

In Simpler terms, the doctor wants to stitch your cervix. This procedure is often done, when a woman is at risk for pre-term delivery, and labour, which you obviously are.

The procedure is highly effective in preventing pre-term labour. There are instances, where cerclage in ineffective, allthough its not often that it happens.

Given your symptoms, I think its probably a good idea to have it done. It will allow you to continue through the pregnancy longer, and allow your little one to develop. Lets face it, Everyday that he/she is able to remain in the womb, is so beneficial.

You may not make it to the typical 40 weeks, but I positive that you will make it much further into your pregnancy, then you did with your first baby.

Have you ever been told why you have had premature labour and delivery issues?

Sometimes, certain medications that you might be taking can cause this.

If you can rule that out, perhaps being tested to see if you are a carrier of spina bifida. Even though you dont have the disease, if you carry the gene, or a mild form, it can cause premature labour, and delivery with the babies you carry. Just food for thought :)

We have the gene in my family. I am a positive carrier, as well as all my cousins. My mother is a carrier as well. My pregnancies were full term, but my son was born with a sacral dimple at the base of his spine. My daughter, has the same.

I have no dimples, or moles, and Neither does my cousin, but she delivered both her babies, at 23 weeks. So perhaps this could come into play somehow.

And I dont mean to scare you at all. Alot of people carry genetics disorders in the their families, but nothing comes of it, but it can come into play with labours, and delivery's , as well as other things :) Might be worth checking your family background :)

Hope this is of some help :)

-Kristy