What to expect from cervical cerclage for cervical insufficiency

Cervical insufficiency means the cervix may shorten or open without typical labour symptoms. A cerclage places a strong stitch around the cervix to help it remain closed while the pregnancy continues. Timing depends on your history, examination and ultrasound findings. Your clinician will discuss whether a planned or urgent procedure is suitable.

The procedure is usually performed in hospital with regional or general anaesthesia. Afterward, mild cramping, pelvic pressure or light spotting can occur, but your team will check you before discharge. The stitch is generally removed later in pregnancy or sooner if labour begins, waters break or another medical reason makes removal necessary.

Rest according to your discharge advice and use only recommended pain relief. Keep follow-up appointments so cervical length, symptoms and the pregnancy can be reviewed. Ask when intercourse, exercise and travel are appropriate for you; restrictions vary with the reason for the stitch and any symptoms. Keep your maternity contact details available.

Contact your maternity unit promptly for regular tightening or painful cramps, vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, fever, foul-smelling discharge, severe pelvic pain or reduced fetal movement when you are at a stage where movements are established. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if you think labour or waters breaking may have started.

Ask why cerclage is recommended, which anaesthetic is planned, what recovery should feel like, which activities to pause, when the stitch will be removed and how to reach the maternity team overnight.