Pregnancy prolongation in women with preterm cervical dilatation utilizing out-patient preterm labor services

Abstract

Objective: To identify the impact of cervical dilatation on pregnancy prolongation in women with hospital evaluation of preterm labor (PTL) symptoms.Methods: The study population was identified from a database comprising women receiving out-patient perinatal services. Women diagnosed with PTL, having a singleton gestation, with cervical dilatation of ≥2 cm, intact membranes, and at 22.0–34.9 weeks when hospitalized for evaluation of PTLsymptoms were included. Data were analyzed by cervical dilatation at hospital evaluation. The primary study outcome was gestational gain from PTLdiagnosis.Results: A total of 1435 patients were analyzed; mean cervical dilatation at hospitalization was 2.6±0.7 cm at a mean of 32.4±2.1 weeks' gestation. Following hospitalization, patients gained a mean of 26.0±17.2 days. Eighty-seven per cent resumed out-patient services. Approximately 15% delivered within 1 week of PTL evaluation.Conclusion: Even women with advanced cervical dilatation can achieve significant gestational gain. The degree of cervical dilatation has significant impact on latency to delivery in women evaluated for PTL.

• Advanced cervical dilatation
• Pregnancy prolongation
• Pregnancy outcome