CASE AT A GLANCE
Failed Cerclage / Premature Birth
Illustrated Verdict, Inc. © All rights reserved.
Case Overview:
At 14 weeks gestation, the patient's cervix began to open, and it was decided to place two cerclage stitches on her cervix to help support the pregnancy. At the time of placement, the cervix was 2 cm dilated. A month later, a bulging bag was discovered on exam. She was immediately admitted to the hospital to have the cerclages removed, but when the physician inserted a speculum, the amniotic bag spontaneously ruptured, followed by the immediate delivery of the fetus at 19 6/7 weeks. Unfortunately, the patient continued to bleed post-delivery, and she passed away. The jury found in favor of the defense.
