Does an obstetrician perform a cervical cerclage?

A cervical cerclage, sometimes called a cervical stitch, places strong suture material around the cervix to help it stay closed during pregnancy. An obstetrician reviews your history, ultrasound findings, examination, and signs of infection or labour before recommending it. The procedure is carried out in a hospital setting with anaesthesia, and the maternity team monitors you afterward. The stitch is commonly removed later in pregnancy, but the plan can change if labour starts, the membranes rupture, or another concern develops.

Ask why cerclage is being suggested, which approach is planned, and what activity restrictions apply afterward. Tell the obstetrician about bleeding, cramps, fluid leakage, fever, allergies, and previous cervical procedures. Arrange the follow-up visits recommended by your maternity team. Keep the discharge instructions available and ask when the stitch should be removed or reviewed.

Contact your maternity unit urgently after cerclage for regular tightening or contractions, strong pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, fever, chills, or worsening pain. These signs can indicate labour, ruptured membranes, infection, or another pregnancy problem that needs assessment. Do not remove or adjust the stitch yourself.

Ask: What is the reason for cerclage in my case? Which anaesthetic will be used? How long will monitoring take? What activities should I avoid? When and how will the stitch be removed?