What does 'emergency cerclage' mean?

Incompetence (CI) is a condition in which the cervix of a pregnant woman begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface) before the pregnancy has reached term. "Incompetence" refers to the weakness of the muscle of the cervix, which can not be voluntarily controlled. CI is a cause of miscarriage and preterm birth in the second and third trimesters.

In CI, the cervix dilates and effaces without pain or uterine contractions because of the growing pressure of the pregnant uterus. If these changes are not halted, rupture of the membranes and premature delivery can result.

CI occurs in only 1-2% of all pregnancies, however it is the cause of 20-25% of miscarriages in the second trimester as well as 10% of preterm deliveries.

The goal of intervention is the successful prevention of premature delivery. This allows the fetus time to develop as fully as possible, thus preventing the multitude of complications associated with prematurity.

Treatment consists mainly of a procedure called cerclage, along with bedrest and possibly medications to prevent contractions and premature delivery. Even with cerclage and additional therapies, the risk of preterm birth is high (about 25%).

It's where they stitch the cervix closed to prevent it from opening and the mom going into early labor.

it is when they put a stitch in you to close your cervix or keep it closed.