Precautions after a cervical stitch

A cervical stitch, also called cervical cerclage, supports the cervix during pregnancy when there is concern that it may open too early. It is one part of a pregnancy plan and does not remove the possibility of preterm labour. Your team will tell you whether your stitch is intended to stay until a planned removal or needs earlier review.

Mild cramping or light spotting can occur soon after the procedure, but your own discharge instructions take priority. The amount of activity, rest, sex, and travel that is appropriate varies with the reason for the stitch and your pregnancy.

Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and attend every maternity appointment. Keep the area clean as instructed, use pads rather than tampons if bleeding occurs, and avoid sex, swimming, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity until your clinician says they are appropriate. Ask before travelling far from maternity care. Keep your cerclage details available and tell any healthcare professional caring for you.

Ask when the stitch will be reviewed or removed, what activity limits apply to you, and which number to call day or night.

Call your maternity unit promptly for regular tightening or contractions, increasing pelvic pressure, lower back pain, vaginal bleeding, watery fluid, fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, or reduced fetal movement when you have been told to monitor it. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you think your waters have broken or labour may be starting. A stitch may need urgent assessment or removal during labour.

What activities and intimacy limits apply to me? When is removal planned? Which symptoms mean I should come straight to hospital, and how should I contact the team after hours?