Cervical stitch for pregnancy

Also called cervical cerclage, it is considered after reviewing factors such as earlier late miscarriage or preterm birth, previous cervical treatment and ultrasound evidence of a shortening cervix.

A clinician places a suture around the cervix, most often through the vagina, and tightens it to provide support. The procedure is performed with anaesthesia. A planned stitch is different from an emergency stitch considered after the cervix has already started opening; the circumstances, potential benefit and risks are therefore different. Cerclage may not be suitable when there are contractions, significant bleeding, infection or ruptured membranes.

Before the procedure, confirm when to stop eating or drinking and which regular medicines to take. Arrange transport home and follow the hospital’s advice on recovery. Light spotting or mild cramping can occur after insertion, but the team should tell you what is expected in your case. Keep all antenatal appointments because the stitch does not replace pregnancy monitoring. Make sure you know the plan for removal and what to do if labour starts first.

Call your maternity unit without delay for contractions or repeated abdominal cramps, leaking fluid, continued or heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, worsening pain, or smelly or green discharge. These symptoms may indicate labour, ruptured membranes, infection or another problem that needs examination. Labour with a vaginal stitch still present requires urgent assessment so the cervix is not injured.

Ask which part of your history or scan supports cerclage, what the alternatives are, and how each option fits your priorities. Discuss the type of stitch and anaesthetic, procedure-specific risks, pain relief, restrictions during recovery, follow-up arrangements and removal. Ask for a direct maternity contact for symptoms outside clinic hours.