135: Short Cervix, Incompetent Cervix, and Cerclage

Your cervix is the lower part of your uterus that opens to your vagina.  The length of your cervix changes as your pregnancy progresses and naturally shortens as you approach the birth of your baby.  In addition to our cervix shortening, when you are in labor your cervix dilates or opens and effaces or thins to allow your baby to pass through during birth.  If your cervix is weak it could open up early and cause preterm birth or a late term miscarriage.  In the medical community this is referred to as an incompetent cervix.  In some cases a surgical procedure, called a cervical cerclage, is recommended.  As with any surgical procedure there are benefits and risks you should be aware of.  This episode breaks down how your cervix changes during pregnancy and birth, when a cervical cerclage is evidence based and the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode135/

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