Removal of cervical cerclage

At week 37, my cerclage was removed. I had a day surgery only and was released in the evening. I was under general anesthesia so I didn't feel anything. The procedure took around 30 minutes (from the time i was awake). I had some bleeding afterwards and it was a bit painful when I'm urinating.

Like the usual surgery under general anesthesia, I was asked to fast for at least 8 hours-- no food and drinks after 12mn. We went to the hospital at 7am and was immediately prepared for the procedure. They gave me dextrose and have given me the ampicillin skin test injection. They also checked my baby's status via CTG. My baby has been actively moving since last night. But during the CTG, he's not moving so well so they have to repeat it. Therefore, my surgery was delayed from 10:15am to 11:30am.

After the procedure, my doctor instructed that I can only pass urine and eat my lunch after 2 hours. I was so hungry and want so much to pee. Finally, I was given a bed pan to relieve my urine. My baby has been active since after the surgery. Probably because he wants me to eat. I had some bleeding (bright red every time I urinate. The doctor said that it is normal because of the stitch removal. If it becomes heavier, then i need to be back to the hospital immediately. She also told me to be back should I feel that my baby is not moving, if my water breaks or if I have frequent contractions or severe cramping. Otherwise, we'll have to wait for labor to come. My follow up appointment is after 3 days. She will also be monitoring me twice a week to be sure that my baby is doing well.

Cervical cerclage

Cervical cerclage or cervical stitch is a non-invasive operation for cervical incompetence or insufficiency. My doctors are convinced that I have a weak cervix after having a miscarriage at 17 weeks. Therefore, in order to prevent another miscarriage, they are recommending that I have my cervix stitched. Yes, literally "stitched" (but of course under a general anesthesia)!

So after passing on all my clinical tests, I was scheduled to have my cervical cerclage at 12 weeks GA. I was asked to fast from 12 midnight and discontinue taking aspirin, prednisolon, and clexane injection.

My operation is at 9am but I was asked to check-in at 7am. After changing to the hospital gown, I was injected progesterone oil in the butt and allergy-check shot in my forearm. The nurse also fixed my IV. The nurse tried to check baby's heartbeat via doppler but failed to hear it. I felt nervous but tried to stay calm. She ordered an ultrasound machine instead so my baby can be checked before the operation.

I was wheeled to operating room at 9am. The operation started past 9am because we waited for the ultrasound machine to arrive first. I was given general anesthesia and was down before I finished counting from 1 to 10!

I was wheeled back to the private room after an hour or 2. I was on strict bed rest-- no sitting, standing or walking. I may pee using a bed pan only (while lying down). I had minor bleeding but no disturbing pain. I continued with all my medicines except for Clexane, Aspirin and Prednisolon. I have new medicines for recovery: Coamoxiclav (2x daily), Metronidazole (2x daily), Duphaston (3x daily).

The next day, I was still on strict bed rest but I can go to the bathroom with assistance. My doctor came by to check me up. She described how terrible my cervix was and that she has to put a more sturdy stitch. She said that there was also a lot of bleeding when she put the stitch that she has to press for a while in order to stop the bleeding (perhaps this is due to the blood thinners that I am taking). But overall, the operation went well. She told us that she checked on our baby before and after the operation.

I was discharged from hospital the following day around noon. We went to see our baby at my doctor's office. Our baby is doing well-- kicking and jumping! I was advised to continue with all my meds except for Aspirin and Clexane (but continue taking after 1 week). I was also advised to continue bed rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid constipation.