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Original poster

Cervical stitch & vaginal birth?

5 replies

ZxrH888 · 14/03/2026 18:57

Hi everyone
I had a preventative shirodkar stitch at 16 weeks after a previous MMC at 16 weeks - the cervical length scanned showed no shortening but we still opted for it as to not take any chances.
Anyway when I had it done they told me to expect minor discomfort and it was excruciating pain instead - I jus wanted to ask other peoples experiences of having it removed? I'm due to have it removed this coming tuesday and they reassured me a lot of women are able to have a vaginal birth after but I've read a lot of women saying they had trouble dilating due to scar tissue now I'm terrified😭 Due to be induced at 38 weeks but dont want to put myself through an induction if the chances of a vaginal birth aint looking good.

Any advice would be appreciated!

OP posts:
khaa2091 · 14/03/2026 19:11

I look after lots of women who have had cervical sutures. Make sure that whoever is removing it is aware that it is a Shirodkar rather than rescue suture - you will need to have an anaesthetic (usually a spinal) to remove it in an operating theatre. Rescue sutures are usually taken out on labour ward.

Most people will have a vaginal delivery after removing it (it's unusual to go into labour straight away, which is what a lot of people are concerned about), but nobody is ever going to guarantee that you will not need a Caesarean or forceps until you are holding your baby.

Original poster
ZxrH888 · 14/03/2026 22:11

khaa2091 · 14/03/2026 19:11

I look after lots of women who have had cervical sutures. Make sure that whoever is removing it is aware that it is a Shirodkar rather than rescue suture - you will need to have an anaesthetic (usually a spinal) to remove it in an operating theatre. Rescue sutures are usually taken out on labour ward.

Most people will have a vaginal delivery after removing it (it's unusual to go into labour straight away, which is what a lot of people are concerned about), but nobody is ever going to guarantee that you will not need a Caesarean or forceps until you are holding your baby.

Thank you!
Theyve said to me they will try take it out on labour ward with gas & air and if that is too difficult then they'll take me to theatres, really hoping its not embedded and just comes out easily😭

OP posts:
Mufflette · 14/03/2026 22:29

I'm not sure which type of stitch I had but removal was so quick, just a snip and done. Be prepared to wait a while though, as they will fit you in around people in active labour etc. Had a vaginal birth at the end of week 37, induced after my waters went. All was fine! Fingers crossed it will be for you too.

Original poster
ZxrH888 · 14/03/2026 23:05

Mufflette · 14/03/2026 22:29

I'm not sure which type of stitch I had but removal was so quick, just a snip and done. Be prepared to wait a while though, as they will fit you in around people in active labour etc. Had a vaginal birth at the end of week 37, induced after my waters went. All was fine! Fingers crossed it will be for you too.

Ah this is so reassuring thank you so much!❤️

OP posts:
khaa2091 · 15/03/2026 07:47

Make sure they look at your op note. There is no way they csn remove a Shirodkar on Labour Ward without anaesthetic (tell them again that it is NOT a rescue or MacDonald suture).
Best wishes

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