Can sonographic measurements and changes in cervical length during pregnancy predict preterm labour in an asymptomatic low-risk population?

Abstract

Objective: This study measured cervical length (CL) at 14–16 and 21–24 weeks of gestation and assessed whether the difference between the measurements is predictive of preterm delivery (PTD).

Methods: This retrospective, cohort study included patients with two consecutive CL measured with transvaginal sonography at 14–16 weeks of gestation (CL₁) and 21–24 weeks (CL₂). Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic, medical and obstetric history; complications during the current pregnancy and delivery data. CL₁, CL₂ and the change between scans were evaluated and correlated to PTD prediction.

Results: Among the 216 patients, 196 (90.7%) delivered at term (≥37 weeks) and 20 (9.3%) preterm (<37 weeks). CL₁ was not a good predictor of PTD (p = .70). CL₂ was significantly shorter in the PTD group (p < .05). The correlation between CL change and PTD was not significant (p = .55). Perinatal outcomes between term and preterm deliveries were similar.

Conclusions: Sonographic measurement of CL at 14- to 16-week gestation and the difference between CL in the first and second scans are not reliable predictors of PTD. However, cervical length at 21–24 weeks in low-risk women is predictive of this complication.

Keywords:

• Cervical length measurement
• preterm labour
• cervical length change
• low-risk pregnant women

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.