Some women at risk of preterm labour may benefit from having a stitch inserted into the neck of the womb. This is usually done under a general anaesthetic. It is not suitable for all women at risk of preterm labour, and only 1:100 babies are born between 22 and 28 weeks. Each case needs to be assessed on its particular merit. Ultrasound has been very helpful in identifying babies at risk of prematurity and hope that we can prevent this problem.