Cervical cerclage is a rarely used procedure that involves sewing shut the cervix to prevent it from opening before a pregnancy is carried near to term (week 37).

Cervical cerclage may be used if you have given birth prematurely in a previous pregnancy and had minimal or no contractions before the birth. It may also be used when the muscles of the cervix are suspected to be weakened (cervical insufficiency). If preterm labor starts, the cerclage will be removed right away. Otherwise, it is usually removed at 36 to 38 weeks of pregnancy. And labor will usually start within 2 weeks.