Stay Safe After Cervical Cerclage Do’s And Don’ts to Prevent Infections and Spot Complications
Hello, soon-to-be, mamas! So you have had a cervical cerclage? That’s nothing to be worried…
Hello, soon-to-be, mamas! So you have had a cervical cerclage? That’s nothing to be worried about. This will put you on track toward a happy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Isn’t that what we all wish for?
However, you need to know what to do and what not to do after this surgery to help your body with the healing process. In addition, it is important to be aware of the signs of infection and how to prevent risks of infection.
What Is Cervical Cerclage?
First things first – Cervical Cerclage is a surgical procedure performed during pregnancy and involves stitching up the cervix to prevent premature delivery. The surgery helps many women carry their babies to term.
However, the procedure makes the cervix more vulnerable to infections. Certain activities can put unnecessary stress on the cervix and trigger infections. For these reasons, it is vital to pay extra attention to yourself after the procedure. Remember that post-cervical cerclage care contributes to the health and safety of the mother and the baby.
In this post, we will explore some things not to do after a cervical cerclage. We will also discuss some signs of infection that expecting mothers need to be aware of and share some tips on preventing infections.
Let’s dive in!
Things Not to Do After Cervical Cerclage
Here are some things that you should avoid during your post-cervical cerclage phase to prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Cut down on Physical Activities
After the cervical cerclage procedure, refrain from physical activities that are likely to cause stress to the cervix. This includes lifting heavy objects, twisting, or bending. But that does not mean you need to be confined to bed. Move around a bit to keep up the circulation, go for short walks, or do gentle stretches.
Refrain From Sexual Intercourse
With the haphazard state of your hormones, it can be tempting to get back to an active sex life. But here’s what you must remember – sexual intercourse can put stress on the cervix, increase the risk of infection or even lead to dilated cervix that can cause premature birth. Give your body time to heal and keep the love-making for later. Your doctor will provide instructions on when it is okay to resume sexual intercourse.
Let Others Do the Heavy Lifting
Lifting heavy objects strains your muscles and the cervix and may even undo the cerclage. This disturbs the healing process and increases the chances of developing an infection. When you need to lift bulky or heavy objects, ask for help. Don’t feel guilty about that. It’s your time to sit back and relax..
Avoid strenuous exercise
With the haphazard state of your hormones, it can be tempting to get back to an active sex life. But here’s what you must remember – sexual intercourse can put stress on the cervix, increase the risk of infection or even lead to dilated cervix that can cause premature birth. Give your body time to heal and keep the love-making for later. Your doctor will provide instructions on when it is okay to resume sexual intercourse.
Tampons are a No-No
Tampons may carry bacteria that aren’t good news after a cervical cerclage. Bacteria can find their way into the vagina through tampons and intensify the risks of infection. Plus tampons may disturb the cerclage and turn into a health risk for you and the baby. It is best to choose pads after cervical cerclage.
Douching is Another No-No
Did you know that your vagina harbors good bacteria that are essential for optimal vaginal health? Douching can upset this balance, trigger irritation and increase the risk of infection. So, stay away from douching for a healthy, stress-free pregnancy period.
Skip Baths, Choose Showers
Sure. Bubble baths are immensely relaxing and refreshing. But considering the risks of infection while taking a bath after cervical cerclage, it is best to steer clear of this ritual for a while. Opt for showers instead.
Possible Signs of Infection After Cervical Cerclage
Once the cervical cerclage procedure is done, you need to watch out for signs of infection. Here are a few signs of infection that you should be aware of:
Fever
If your body temperature rises and you feel like you are coming down with the flu, it may indicate an infection. Don’t take over-the-counter medications and hope it will work. Contact your doctor right away.
Vaginal Discharge
A small amount of discharge is usually normal after a cervical cerclage. But if the discharge is heavy or looks and smells unusual, it could be an infection. Seek medical help at once.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Light spotting right after the procedure is normal. But visit your doctor immediately if the bleeding is heavy or if there are visible clots.
Pelvic Pain or Discomfort
Infection may sometimes cause pain or discomfort in the pelvic area. If you feel unusual discomfort, get in touch with your doctor without delay.
Foul-Smelling Odor
Worried about that persistent foul smell from your vagina? Do let your doctor know as it could be a clear sign of infection.
Chills
If you unexpectedly feel cold and start shivering, you may be experiencing an infection. Don’t curl up with a blanket and try to sleep. Let your doctor know about this.
Painful Urination
You know something is wrong when you feel pain while peeing. Don’t suffer in silence. Listen to your instincts and seek medical attention.
Tips to Prevent Infection After Cervical Cerclage
Now let us move on to some simple tips to prevent infection after your cervical cerclage:
Keep the vaginal area clean
After cervical cerclage, it is essential to keep the vaginal area clean. Use warm water and a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to clean the area. Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin
Wash your hands frequently
Everywhere you touch, there are germs. And you obviously don’t want these germs to cause an infection. So make sure you regularly wash your hands before and after meals, before and after using restrooms, and after touching any surface that may be contaminated.
Stay away from people who have infections
You are more vulnerable to catching infections after a surgical procedure. So it is best to avoid close contact with people who have infections. You need to be extra careful when someone at home is sick.
Take prescribed antibiotics
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help boost the healing process and prevent the risk of infections. Don’t forget to take these antibiotics on time.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential to flush out bacteria and toxins from the body. It is also a simple technique to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid sugary, carbonated drinks and opt for water, herbal tea, fruit juices, or healthy smoothies
Get enough rest
Of course, your body needs ample rest to work on the healing process. So take it easy for the first few weeks after the procedure, get enough sleep, take small breaks throughout the day, and avoid anything too exhausting.
Final Word
To sum up, it is important to take good care of yourself in case you have recently had a cervical cerclage. Keep away from sexual intercourse and physical activities that involve bending and lifting. Don’t use tampons or douche. Keep an eye out for fever, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or any other symptoms of infection. Contact your doctor right away in case you notice any signs of infection.
Stay hydrated, take your prescribed antibiotics on time, and ensure plenty of rest. Follow these tips to prevent infection after cervical cerclage, maintain a positive mindset and you will remain healthy throughout your pregnancy. Here’s to a happy pregnancy and a healthy baby!
