<unk> , also known as a<unk>  stitch, is a treatment for<unk>  weakness, when the cervix starts to shorten and open too early during a pregnancy causing either a late miscarriage or preterm birth. In women with a prior spontaneous preterm birth and who are pregnant with one baby, and have shortening of the<unk>  length less than 25 mm, a<unk>  prevents a preterm birth and reduces death and illness in the baby. The treatment consists of a strong suture sewn into and around the cervix early in the pregnancy, usually between weeks 12 to 14, and then removed towards the end of the pregnancy when the greatest risk of miscarriage has passed. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, usually by way of a spinal block. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis by an obstetrician-gynecologist. Usually the treatment is done in the first or second trimester of pregnancy, for a woman who has had one or more late miscarriages in the past. The word<unk> " means "hoop" in French, as in the metal hoop encircling a barrel. There is no evidence that<unk>  is effective in a multiple gestation pregnancy for preventing preterm births and reducing perinatal deaths or neonatal morbidity. The success rate for<unk>  is approximately 80-90% for elective<unk> s, and 40-60% for emergency<unk> s. A<unk>  is considered successful if labor and delivery is delayed to at least 37 weeks (full term). After the<unk>  has been placed, the patient will be observed for at least several hours (sometimes overnight) to ensure that she does not go into premature labor. The patient will then be allowed to return home, but will be instructed to remain in bed or avoid physical activity (including sexual intercourse) for two to three days, or up to two weeks. Follow-up appointments will usually take place so that her doctor can monitor the cervix and stitch and watch for signs of premature labor. For women who are pregnant with one baby (a singleton pregnancy) and at risk for a preterm birth, when<unk>  is compared with no treatment, there is a reduction in preterm birth and there may be a reduction in the number of babies who die (perinatal mortality) There is no evidence that<unk>  is effective in a multiple gestation pregnancy for preventing preterm births and reducing perinatal deaths or neonatal morbidity. Various studies have been undertaken to investigate whether<unk>  is more effective when combined with other treatments, such as antibiotics or vaginal pessary, but the evidence remains uncertain.
Cervical cerclage
Tubal ligation
Uterine balloon tamponade
Resuscitative hysterotomy
Menstrual extraction
Labor induction
Cervical pessary
Tubal reversal