Which of the following is a potential complication of placing a cerclage after 24 weeks of gestation?

The correct answer is that rupture of fetal membranes is a potential complication of placing a cerclage after 24 weeks of gestation. Cerclage is a procedure used to support the cervix when it is deemed at risk of preterm birth due to cervical insufficiency. When this procedure is performed later in gestation, particularly after 24 weeks, the risk of complications increases significantly.

One of the primary concerns is that the placement of the cerclage can lead to irritation or stretching of the fetal membranes, which may predispose to rupture. The membranes may be under stress from the position of the cerclage, or the procedure may introduce potential for infection or trauma, both of which can contribute to premature rupture.

In contrast, while other options present potential complications in pregnancy, they are less directly related to the timing of cerclage placement. For instance, increased risk of hypertension and fetal growth restriction are associated with various factors in pregnancy but are not specifically complications of cerclage placement itself. Uterine rupture is a serious condition, but it is typically associated with prior uterine surgeries or certain labor circumstances rather than the timing of cerclage placement.

Thus, the association of the cerclage procedure with rupture of