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Cervical cerclage (cervical stitch)
- Rapid access to expert gynaecologists and obstetricians
- Personalised support and ongoing monitoring
- Expert care in comfortable, private facilities
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CERVICAL CERCLAGE AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we’re here when you need expert care during your pregnancy. We provide fast access to our experienced gynaecologists and obstetricians, who can diagnose a weakened cervix and carry out a cervical cerclage to help prevent miscarriage and premature labour.
Our specialists are here to support you at every stage and will guide you through your treatment. You’ll receive compassionate, comprehensive care for the duration of your pregnancy, with regular check-ups to monitor you and your baby’s health and wellbeing.
Our specialists are here to support you at every stage and will guide you through your treatment. You’ll receive compassionate, comprehensive care for the duration of your pregnancy, with regular check-ups to monitor you and your baby’s health and wellbeing.
Also known as a cervical stitch, a cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure that is carried out during pregnancy to strengthen the cervix (neck of the womb). One or more stitches are placed in the opening of the cervix to keep it closed and help prevent a premature birth or miscarriage.
It’s usually recommended if your cervix is weak or is shortening too early. This can be identified through an ultrasound scan or if you’ve experienced previous pregnancy losses, where cervical weakness is thought to be the cause.
It’s usually recommended if your cervix is weak or is shortening too early. This can be identified through an ultrasound scan or if you’ve experienced previous pregnancy losses, where cervical weakness is thought to be the cause.
If your consultant thinks you might be at risk of a premature labour or late miscarriage because of a weakened cervix, you’ll usually be offered the procedure between 12 and 24 weeks of your pregnancy. This allows the stitch to be put in place before any significant cervical changes occur during your pregnancy.
During a cervical cerclage procedure, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable and pain-free. Your consultant will carefully place a stitch (or stitches) in the opening of the cervix to help keep it closed.
The procedure is usually carried out via the vagina and typically takes less than an hour. You may need to stay in the hospital for a short time afterwards so your surgeon can monitor you. Most women recover quickly and you should be able to return to your usual activities with some rest and guidance from our care team.
The procedure is usually carried out via the vagina and typically takes less than an hour. You may need to stay in the hospital for a short time afterwards so your surgeon can monitor you. Most women recover quickly and you should be able to return to your usual activities with some rest and guidance from our care team.
The cervical cerclage is usually removed between 36 and 37 weeks of your pregnancy, but this might be earlier if you go into labour or if there are any medical concerns. Rest assured, we’ll monitor you and your baby closely to ensure the best timing for removing the stich.
The removal is a straightforward, quick procedure performed while you’re awake. We’ll give you gas and air to help with any discomfort. If the cerclage is more complex, we’ll give you a local anaesthetic to keep you pain free.
The removal is a straightforward, quick procedure performed while you’re awake. We’ll give you gas and air to help with any discomfort. If the cerclage is more complex, we’ll give you a local anaesthetic to keep you pain free.
200+
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dedicated clinics offering full investigation and treatment plans
Personalised to you
Maternity care with mum and baby at the centre
24/7 support
from our dedicated maternity teams
Onward referrals for mum and baby
access to leading consultants in our HCA UK network
Your cervical cerclage procedure at HCA UK
What to expect
At HCA UK, we understand that undergoing a cervical cerclage procedure can bring uncertainty and concern. One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of your time with us.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQs section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our supportive team will be happy to help in any way they can.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQs section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our supportive team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you have self-referred or have a referral from a GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our gynaecologists or obstetricians.
They’ll take the time to talk to you and ask about your medical history, including any pregnancy losses, in a gentle and sensitive manner. Your consultant may want you to have a diagnostic scan.
They’ll take the time to talk to you and ask about your medical history, including any pregnancy losses, in a gentle and sensitive manner. Your consultant may want you to have a diagnostic scan.
02
Tests and scans
Your consultant may arrange for you to have a transvaginal (pelvic) ultrasound. The scan allows your consultant to look at your cervix in more detail.
Your consultant will share your scan results with you. They’ll explain the cervical cerclage procedure and why they’re recommending it for your pregnancy.
It’s important to remember that a weakened cervix is a medical condition that can be managed with care and support. Your consultant is here to provide the best possible treatment for your pregnancy.
Your consultant will share your scan results with you. They’ll explain the cervical cerclage procedure and why they’re recommending it for your pregnancy.
It’s important to remember that a weakened cervix is a medical condition that can be managed with care and support. Your consultant is here to provide the best possible treatment for your pregnancy.
03
Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you'll be admitted to one of our leading private hospitals. Our team will give you a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable and pain-free. Your consultant will access your cervix through your vagina and carefully place a stich (or stiches) in the opening of the cervix to help keep it closed.
The procedure typically takes less than an hour.
The procedure typically takes less than an hour.
04
After the procedure
We may ask you to stay in the hospital for a short time after your procedure so we can monitor you. You’ll go home on the same day. Before you leave the hospital, our team will advise you on your recovery, as it’s important that you rest and avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous activities.
05
Follow-up care
We’ll arrange a follow-up appointment to check your progress and ensure the stitch is supporting your pregnancy effectively.
We’ll also provide regular check-ins to monitor you and your baby's health and wellbeing. When the time comes for your cervical stitch removal, your consultant will explain the process and ensure it’s carried out at the best possible time.
We’ll also provide regular check-ins to monitor you and your baby's health and wellbeing. When the time comes for your cervical stitch removal, your consultant will explain the process and ensure it’s carried out at the best possible time.
Locations
Where can I have my cervical cerclage?
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Cervical cerclage FAQs
A cervix can become weakened for a variety of reasons, but it’s often related to changes during pregnancy or previous experiences. This may include factors such as:
- Structural issues
- Some uterine conditions
- Previous cervical surgery, such as a colposcopy
- Trauma from a previous labour or emergency Caesarean section
For some women, their cervix can shorten and open without any symptoms. It’s usually only diagnosed once a person has had one or more late miscarriages or premature babies, and other causes have been ruled out.
Some women with preterm cervical shortening may experience the following symptoms:
Some women with preterm cervical shortening may experience the following symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Smelly and/or yellow or green vaginal discharge
- A feeling of pressure in the vagina or abdomen
It's completely natural to have questions or concerns about cervical cerclage, especially when you’re doing everything you can to support a healthy pregnancy. While the procedure is generally safe, there are a few risks to be aware of:
- Infection: This could affect the cervix, uterus, or the membranes around the baby. Your care team will monitor closely for any signs and treat infections promptly if they arise.
- Bleeding: Minor spotting is fairly common, while more significant bleeding is rare.
- Preterm labour: Premature rupture of membranes (waters breaking early) is uncommon, but it’s something your consultant will watch for.
- Cervical damage: In rare cases, the stitch can cause irritation or tearing of the cervix during removal or labour.
A cervical cerclage is typically carried out under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some cramping, spotting or a feeling of pressure, but this is usually mild and temporary. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol, is often enough to manage it.
Our dedicated team will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure and afterwards.
Our dedicated team will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure and afterwards.
If cervical cerclage isn’t the right option for you, there are a few other approaches your consultant might consider to support your pregnancy. These alternatives depend on your situation and the reason for considering a stitch in the first place.
- Vaginal progesterone: This hormone can help reduce the risk of a premature birth in some cases, especially if your cervix is shortening but you don’t have a history of premature birth.
- Increased monitoring and rest: Your consultant may recommend more frequent cervical length checks through ultrasound, along with modified activity or bed rest, if needed.
You’ll need to avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous activities, including heavy lifting. Our team will advise you on this and your recovery before you leave the hospital.
The success rate of the procedure is good, particularly when the stitch is put in during early pregnancy for a recognised reason. Your consultant will take the time to explain why they think a cervical stitch is the best possible treatment for your pregnancy and they’ll be happy to talk through any concerns you may have.
Patient’s story
Fiona's high-risk pregnancy
When Fiona was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening condition during pregnancy, The Portland Hospital helped her to deliver her baby safely.
“I can’t imagine going through pregnancy and birth without Jess by our side. From the very beginning, she was the calm, confident presence we didn’t know we needed – professional, deeply empathetic, and always just a message away. She respected my wishes every step of the way and helped us navigate all our options with clarity and care.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.