What should you know about suture used in cervical cerclage?

A cervical cerclage, or cervical stitch, uses suture material as a supportive band around the cervix. The cervix forms the passage between the womb and vagina; the stitch helps resist early opening when your obstetric team believes extra support may help. The material is selected for strength and tissue compatibility, and it remains in place until the planned review or removal.

The suture cannot be felt from outside the body. Depending on the technique, it may be placed through the vagina or through the abdomen. The chosen method affects later removal and birth planning, so ask which approach applies to you.

Use the post-procedure instructions from your maternity team for activity, medicines and follow-up. Mild cramping or light spotting can occur after placement. Keep appointments and tell the team about any new symptom, even if you think it is caused by the thread. Do not insert anything into the vagina or change activity restrictions without personalised advice.

Your clinician will explain whether the stitch is expected to be removed before labour, remains for a planned caesarean birth, or needs earlier action if labour or membrane rupture occurs. See [Cervical Cerclage] for the wider procedure and [Preterm Labour] for the concern it may address.

Call your maternity unit promptly for contractions, pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding, a gush or trickle of fluid, fever, chills or unusual-smelling discharge. These signs can indicate labour, infection or ruptured membranes; a clinician needs to decide whether the suture should remain or be removed.

Ask what type of cerclage you have, where the suture sits, how it changes examinations or birth planning, and what symptoms should lead you straight to hospital. Confirm the planned removal or review date and the correct out-of-hours contact.