Cervical Stitch and Birth Planning: Which Type Do You Have?
PeriodsArticleAsk your maternity team how the stitch type affects your individual birth and removal plan.
In this article
With a cervical stitch, contact your healthcare team without delay for contractions or cramping abdominal pain, continued or heavy vaginal bleeding, waters breaking, or smelly or green discharge. If labour starts while the stitch is in place, contact your maternity unit straight away.1
A vaginal stitch
RCOG says a vaginal cervical stitch does not increase your chances of needing a caesarean birth. Have your team explain the individual removal and birth plan; this does not guarantee a vaginal birth.1
An abdominal stitch
A transabdominal stitch is placed higher around the cervix through the abdomen. RCOG explains that this type is not removed and the baby needs to be born by caesarean.1
Confirm your own plan
Try: “Which type of stitch is proposed or already in place? How does that affect my birth plan, and whom should I contact if labour starts?”1
Period, Handled includes a visit script. Use it to organize questions alongside your maternity team’s instructions. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
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Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2026Cervical stitch (opens in a new tab)abcd
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