Cervical Cerclage (McDonald Stitch) in Windhoek

About this service

Cervical cerclage, often called a McDonald stitch, places a stitch around the cervix during pregnancy in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre to help prevent premature labour. This procedure is generally recommended when the cervix shows signs of weakening or shortening earlier than it should during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or early labour. By reinforcing the cervix with a stitch, the aim is to help support the pregnancy until closer to full term, at which point the stitch is removed.

It is performed under anaesthesia, and your obstetrician will monitor your pregnancy closely both before and after the procedure. Timing of the cerclage depends on your individual pregnancy history and current findings.

What to expect

• Your obstetrician assesses your cervix and pregnancy history to confirm cerclage is appropriate.
• The stitch is placed through the vagina under anaesthesia in our on-site day theatre, with no cut on the abdomen.
• Most people rest for a short while afterwards and go home the same day.
• You are monitored afterwards, with the stitch usually removed later in pregnancy as your obstetrician advises.

Who is it for?

You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:

• A short or weakening cervix identified on scan
• A history of premature labour or late miscarriage
• An obstetrician has recommended cerclage for this pregnancy
• Concerns about cervical weakness raised during antenatal care

Frequently asked questions