Cervical cerclage is a medical procedure that can be used to prevent premature birth. In this article, we’ll define the term “cervical cerclage” and explain how it relates to birth injury law.
Key Takeaways
- Cervical cerclage is the use of sutures to keep the cervix closed during pregnancy to prevent premature birth
- Cervical cerclage may be recommended for several reasons including incompetent cervix, past miscarriages, short cervix, and more
- Cervical cerclage should be avoided in certain situations such as if the birthing parent has a prolapsed fetal membrane, vaginal bleeding, infection in the uterus, and more
- Complications of cervical cerclage include damage to the cervix, bleeding, infection, and more
- Medical professionals have a duty to do whatever they can to prevent premature birth, including performing cervical cerclage
What Is Cervical Cerclage?
Cervical cerclage is a procedure using sutures to keep the cervix closed during pregnancy to prevent premature birth. When a person’s cervix has weakened, they are often recommended to have a cervical cerclage to keep their fetus safely inside the uterus until it is time to give birth. Cervical cerclage is usually performed about 12 to 14 weeks into pregnancy before the cervix begins to thin out.
Reasons for Cervical Cerclage
There are several reasons why a pregnant person may be recommended cervical cerclage, including:
- Incompetent cervix, which can be caused by past surgeries on the cervical tissue such as loop electrosurgical excision procedure
- Past miscarriages during the second semester
- Past miscarriages from an abnormally shaped uterus or damage to the cervix
- Cervical cerclage during a previous pregnancy, especially after the 14th week
- Short cervix
- Prior childbirth before 34 weeks of pregnancy
When Should Cervical Cerclage Not Be Done?
Cervical cerclage is not usually recommended for people who have any of the following:
- Preterm labor
- Pregnancy with two or more babies
- Prolapsed fetal membrane
- The amniotic sac leaking or breaking before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- An infection in the uterus
- Low likelihood of the fetus surviving
- Vaginal bleeding
Complications of Cervical Cerclage
Possible risks and complications of cervical cerclage include:
- Preterm labor
- Damage to the cervix
- Tearing of the cervix or uterus that occurs if labor progresses while the sutures are still intact
- Cervical stenosis, a permanent narrowing of the cervix
- Bleeding
- Scar tissue on the cervix
- Premature rupture of the amniotic sac, which can trigger preterm labor
- Infection
Cervical Cerclage and Birth Injury Law
If a birthing parent has an incompetent cervix but their medical team does not perform a cervical cerclage, they may go into premature labor leading to premature birth. Premature birth carries with it the risk of many conditions including:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Developmental delays
- Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
- Cerebral palsy
- Intellectual disabilities
- Sepsis and meningitis
- Hydrocephalus
- Seizures
Because premature birth is so dangerous, medical professionals must do everything in their power to prevent it, including using a cervical cerclage. If a healthcare professional fails to take the necessary measures to prevent premature birth, it may be considered medical malpractice.
If your baby experienced a birth injury because your doctors did not recommend a cervical cerclage even though it was indicated, you may be eligible for compensation. It is recommended that you speak to an experienced birth injury lawyer who will be able to help you navigate your legal case.
