A McDonald stitch is a type of cervical cerclage: a stitch placed around the cervix (the neck of the womb) to help keep it closed during pregnancy. It is the most commonly used cerclage method.
It is advised for women whose cervix may open too early without contractions, known as cervical weakness or cervical insufficiency. This may be suspected after a previous late miscarriage or early birth, or when a scan shows that the cervix is short.
The stitch is placed through the vagina, usually under spinal or general anaesthesia, and tied like a purse-string around the cervix. It is usually inserted between 12 and 24 weeks of pregnancy and removed at around 37 weeks, or earlier if labour starts.
