From the Guidelines
After cervical cerclage placement, patients with cervical insufficiency should be advised to maintain activities of daily living and avoid moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for the duration of the pregnancy. This recommendation is based on the most recent evidence from a systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2020 1. The study suggests that women with cervical insufficiency, including those with a prophylactic or rescue cervical cerclage in place, should avoid MVPA to prevent excessive pressure on the cervix that could compromise the cerclage or trigger preterm labor.
Some key points to consider when lifting restrictions after cervical cerclage placement include:
- Maintaining activities of daily living is recommended, as it is essential for overall health and well-being
- Light upper-body resistance exercise may be permitted, but high-impact and/or strenuous physical exercise should be avoided as a precautionary measure
- The decision to restrict or allow physical activity should be individualized based on each patient's risk factors and overall pregnancy progress
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the cerclage and make any necessary adjustments to activity restrictions
It is essential to note that another study published in the same year 1 suggests that physical activity has no adverse effect in women with short cervix and could even delay delivery. However, this study does not specifically address the recommendations for women with cervical cerclage in place. Therefore, the most conservative and cautious approach would be to follow the recommendations outlined in the first study 1, which prioritizes the safety and well-being of the mother and the fetus.
From the Research
Lifting Restrictions after Cervical Cerclage Placement
- There is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding lifting restrictions after cervical cerclage placement.
- The studies primarily focus on the indications, contraindications, techniques, and timing of cervical cerclage placement, as well as its effectiveness in preventing preterm birth 2, 3, 4, 5.
- One study compares the outcomes of different treatment protocols, including cerclage, vaginal progesterone, and cervical pessary, for preventing preterm birth in asymptomatic singleton pregnant women with a history of preterm birth and a sonographic short cervix 6.
- However, none of the studies provide specific guidance on lifting restrictions after cervical cerclage placement, suggesting that this information may not be readily available in the existing literature 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.