Abstract
The risk of early birth increases markedly with decreasing cervical length (CL) in both singleton and multiple pregnancies. Transvaginal ultrasound of CL can be useful in determining women that are at risk of preterm delivery and may be helpful in preventing unnecessary intervention. Appropriate technique is essential for correct results. Factors that affect the value of CL in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery include gestational age, patient obstetrical and medical history, symptoms and the number of fetuses. The value of CL consists of identifying high-risk women for therapeutic strategies, to reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm birth, such as progestogens, cervical cerclage and more recently, cervical pessary. Progestogens and cervical cerclage are more effective in gestations with prior preterm birth.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.