Cervical Cerclage: Who Is Not a Candidate?

Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure to close the cervix during pregnancy to prevent premature birth. It is an effective procedure but not eligible for all patients.

Patients with the following conditions are ineligible for cervical cerclage:

- Patients who are not pregnant.

- Patients who have a uterine anomaly or other condition that would make cervical cerclage ineffective.

- Patients who have an infection of the cervix or vagina.

- Patients who have had a previous cervical cerclage that failed.

- Patients who are at risk for premature labor due to factors other than cervical incompetence, such as multiple gestation, placenta previa, or incompetent cervix.

- Patients who have any contraindication to surgery, such as a bleeding disorder or uncontrolled medical condition.