what is cervical stitch and how is it done ? is it painful?

Answer 1

If I'm not mistaken, there are 3 different types (McDonald, Shirdokar, and Abdominal). The abdominal one is done before pregnancy under a general, and is premanent, resulting in a C-section birth.

The McDonald and Shirdokar are done vaginally around 12 weeks. You'll be given an epidural, and it only takes about 15 minutes to do the procedure. The McDonald cerclage is normally a "rescue" method, while the Shirdokar cerclage is preventative. In both of these cases, you will have the cerclage removed around 36-37 weeks, which when then allow your cervix to dialate properly.

I lost a child at 17 weeks due to an incompetent cervix. Had we measured my cervix just a day before, we would have noticed funneling, and could have done a rescue cerclage, boosting the chances of having a longer pregnancy.

If you need a cerclage, I recommend going to a high risk doctor. One who deals with this daily.

Answer 2

I had too get that because I have a incompetence cervix meaning that I can't carry a child to full term. This is why I have to have a (cerclage) which is cervical stitch in order to carry a child full term. I have 4 children and my last 2 I had the cervical sticth.

The reason I had to have it my third pregnancy I went into labor in my 5th month and I had a baby boy 1 pound 8 ounces. He survived however, he had to be hospitalized for 3 mth's before I could take him home. So when I became pregnant with my 3rd child I made sure that I got the cerclage (stitch). When it is first done you have to get an epidural to numb your body for the waist down. You do not feel any pain during the procedure but I was having a problem peeing so I was not able to go home. Eventually I went to the bathroom and I was able to go home... It's a long story but I am giving you an idea because I experienced it..

Answer 3

A cervical stitch or cerclage is a peace of tape that is sewn through your cervix, kind of like a draw string purse. It is used for women who have incompetent cervix which means your cervix is not strong enough to hold the pregnancy intact for the entire pregnancy. Also for some women who have shortened cervix or had there cervix removed for surgical reasons. Its done under general anesthetic or spinal at between 12/14 weeks.I lost my son at 20 weeks and this was when i was told in my next pregnancy i would need a stitch. I had one and my daughter is now 11years old. I am pregnant again and had another one put it at 13 weeks. I have only ever had it done under general so i cannot tell you what its like with spinal. It is a little painful afterwords when going to the bathroom but only for that day. You have some bleeding for 2/3 days and that's it. However getting it out is a whole other story. It is taken out usually at 36 weeks and you have to be awake and the only thing they will give you is gas and air. And for me it was more traumatic than labour. I'm having my stitch out in 5 weeks time and you could say i am not looking forward to it in the slightest. But i have to say once they have done it (usually takes 20 mins feels like and hour) that's it all over and done with. You are then left to go on to lab our just like any other mother. Sometimes that could be later that day or 3 weeks later every woman is different. I hope i have answered some of your questions.

I just wanted to add there are 3 different types.
Shirodka sutra - High up around and through the cervix.
McDonald sutra - In and out the cervix like a purse string.
Abdominal sutra - For women with shortened or no cervix at all. This is done by an insision in the abdomin and stitching the top of where the cervix was closed.
Depends on which condition you have as to what stitch you get.

Answer 4

I've included a link for the most descriptive article I've seen on a cervical cerclage.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cervicalcerclage.html

That all said, there are some articles from 2003 that indicate a cerclage for a short cervix is not effective. That is not the only reason for a cerclage, but if that is the reason your doctor says you should have one, you should find out exactly why it would be beneficial as there are risks. I've included links from two good sources below if that is your situation.

Answer 5

it's just that...a stitch for a cervix that has trouble keeping the baby in for 9 months. i have heard that the numbing injection is a bit painful but after that it's fine. better a little pain than a premature baby.