Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure performed during pregnancy to place a stitch…

Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure performed during pregnancy to place a stitch around the neck of the womb (cervix). The stitch is aimed to support the cervix and reduce risk of an early birth.

The cervix stays tightly closed until towards the end of normal pregnancies, before starting to shorten and gradually soften to prepare for labour and delivery. However, sometimes the cervix starts to shorten and widen too early, causing either late miscarriage or an early birth. Inserting a cervical stitch may reduce the chance of late miscarriage or early birth. Some women who have previously been told they have an 'incompetent' cervix (I hate that word) may be offered a cerclage in future pregnancies to prevent peemature labour. The procedure can either be done under a general anaesthetic where you are asleep or spinal where you are awake but numb from the waist down. There is a risk of bleeding, infection and a small risk of cervical or bladder tearing with this procedure but all would be discussed with the doctor should you need to consider this treatment. Another option gaining popularity in the UK is the Arabin pessary. This is a small silicone ring which is placed around the cervix to keep it closed in a similar fashion to the stitch. The difference being its less invasive.