Uterine bandage is a surgical procedure, in which the cervix is sewn to prevent delivery before the scheduled time, and is indicated for women who have cervical insufficiency, which is an dilation that can begin in the first or second trimester of pregnancy, which can anticipate birth or cause an abortion.
This minor surgery is performed in the hospital and the woman only needs to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days.Surgery is performed vaginally and can be performed in case of emergency or on a scheduled basis by the obstetrician.
- Healing this surgery is quick and the woman can usually return to work in 3 to 5 days and should avoid too much effort.
- Surgery usually succeeds and prevents preterm birth.
- Learn more about cervical insufficiency.
The surgery is relatively simple, takes about 20 minutes and involves suturing the cervix with some stitches, the uterine bandage can be performed between 12 and 16 weeks gestation, using epidural anesthesia, and is usually done vaginally, however, in some cases, the doctor may decide to do so by laparoscopy.
The procedure is safe for both women and baby, but there are still risks, such as the development of a uterine infection, rupture of the amic membranes, vaginal bleeding or tearing of the cervix, for example.
When the woman is first pregnant and discovers that her cervix is insufficient by ultrasound, the doctor may perform an urgent cerclage, but when the woman has had another pregnancy and has had uterine insufficiency, has had an abortion or performed a conization of the uterus., the obstetrician may suggest a scheduled uterine cerclage, as there is a high probability that it will need to be performed.
The bandage can only be done during pregnancy and is not suitable for women who have not yet become pregnant, even if they have already had an abortion.
After the bandage, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers and medications like Utrogestan to prevent uterine contractions.Soon after, your doctor may do an ultrasound to see how the stitches looked and see if the baby is OK and check the success of the procedure.
The woman should rest and avoid intimate contact during the first few days, nor is it recommended to exercise, lift weights or make great efforts, at least for the first 3 days after surgery.
Warning signs such as fever, severe abdominal pain, cramps, vaginal bleeding or smelly discharge may appear in the first few days and may indicate infection, and in these cases, medical help should be sought as soon as possible, as the infection gives life.Look forward. The mother and baby at risk.
Usually, the cerclage is removed around 37 weeks gestation, however, if the person already knows that the delivery will be done by caesarean section, it is not necessary to remove the cerclage, as it may be useful in a future pregnancy..
The decision on the type of birth should be discussed between the woman and the doctor, respecting the indications, the pros and cons of each.