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Getting Ready for Your Cervical Cerclage

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center

What is a cerclage?

A cerclage is a minor surgery to help prevent premature birth. The doctor places stitches in the (opening to the ) to pull it closed. This makes the cervix stronger. cervix

Your cerclage is scheduled for:______(date) at ______(time). Arrive at the hospital two hours early at ______(time). stitches placed around cervix How do I prepare for surgery?

• Do not eat, drink (including water) or smoke Where do I park? after ______(time) on ______(date). On 25th Avenue, follow the signs to park in the Green • For 24 hours before surgery, do not douche, have garage beneath the University of Minnesota Masonic sex (intercourse) or put anything in the . Children’s Hospital (South Building). Valet parking is also available at the main entrance (Monday through • If you will leave the hospital the day of surgery, Friday from 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.) for the same rate. arrange for someone to drive you home. Someone Bring your parking ticket with you. We will stamp it, should also stay with you for the first 24 hours. and you will pay a lower rate.

Where do I go the day of surgery? What happens when I arrive?

Your surgery will take place at: • You will register. Please bring your insurance card. Birthplace (4th floor, East Building) • We will bring you to your room and get you ready. University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank 2450 Riverside Avenue South, Minneapolis • You must sign a consent form. It states that you After you enter the hospital, follow the signs to the know the risks and benefits of the surgery. East Building. Take the “A” elevator to the 4th floor. • You will meet with your surgeon to discuss the Follow the signs to the main desk. You will need to surgery. ring the doorbell, and someone will let you in. • A doctor will talk with you about the options (medicine for pain control) for your surgery.

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Pregnancy illustration page 1 (ID 10105213) © Turhanerbas, www.dreamstime.com. Copyright © 2006 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 520546 – REV 07/18. Page 2 of 2

What to Expect after a Cerclage

How will I feel after the cerclage? Which problems I should watch for?

You may have mild cramps that feel like menstrual Call your Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center if you have cramps. These may last several hours. any of these symptoms within 7 days of surgery:

How long will I be in the hospital? • Bright red bleeding as heavy as a period. • Clear fluid (like water) leaking from the vagina. You may go home the same day or the next day. • Severe cramps or pain in your abdomen. Do I need to limit my activities? • Flu-like symptoms: chills, muscle pain or a fever Yes, while the cerclage is in place. Avoid any activity over 100.4°F (38°C) (taken under the tongue). that puts stress on the muscles of your abdomen (belly). This may mean no lifting of children, laundry • Foul-smelling discharge coming from the vagina. or grocery bags. Do not have intercourse (sex). After a cerclage, it is normal to have an increase in discharge from the vagina. The discharge should Ask your doctor how long you need to restrict your not have a bad smell. activities. You must follow the doctor’s advice. Contact the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center Do I need to return to the Maternal-Fetal (Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Medicine Center for a follow-up visit? M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound of your cervix Maternal-Fetal Medcine Center after surgery. If so, please make an appointment at one 952-892-2270 of our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Centers. M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital Will I stilll need to see my pregnancy care Maternal-Fetal Medcine Center provider? 952-924-5250

Yes. Return to your pregnancy care provider for your M Health Fairview UMMC routine pregnancy care. Your provider and the MFM Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center specialist will decide on your ongoing care. 612-273-2223

If it is after business hours: Call the Birthplace at 612-273-4040. Ask for the “MFM doctor on call.”