Effect of cerclage on cesarean delivery

We sought to estimate if there is an association between cerclage and cesarean delivery. We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with high-risk factors for preterm birth. Those with a cerclage were compared with those without. Outcomes included overall incidence of cesarean delivery and incidence of cesarean delivery secondary to labor arrest. We identified 724 women at high risk for preterm birth; 232 (32%) women had cerclage placement, and 492 (68%) did not. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of cesarean delivery between the two groups (odds ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 1.63). When comparison was limited to women who underwent a cesarean section secondary to labor arrest, the incidence of cesarean delivery between the two groups remained nonsignificant (odds ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 3.53). Women with cerclage in the current pregnancy do not have a higher incidence of cesarean delivery secondary to arrest of labor.