Preterm Labor

Surgery

Surgery is rarely done to prevent preterm birth.

Cervical cerclage is the placement of stitches in the cervix to hold it closed during pregnancy. It is rarely done. It is meant to stop an incompetent cervix from opening early (which could lead to miscarriage or preterm birth).

Surgery Choices

Cervical cerclage (placement of stitches in the cervix to hold it closed, with the intention of preventing preterm labor and delivery)

What To Think About

Cerclage has helped some high-risk pregnancies last longer, but it also has risks. It can cause infection or miscarriage. For a woman who has had a preterm birth in the past because her cervix did not stay closed, cervical cerclage may prevent another preterm birth.²

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Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN	Last Updated: January 14, 2009
Medical Review:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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