AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightReference ranges for the trimesters might be more useful than a single cot-off value for more efficient early diagnosis and management of preterm labour.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between cervical length and gestational age in uncomplicated pregnancy in nulliparous versus multiparous women. Study Design: We studied a cross-sectional sample of 120 singleton pregnancies, including 58 nulliparous and 62 multiparous women. The ultrasonographic assessment of the cervix was performed between 10 and 12, 22 and 24, and 32 and 34 weeks of gestation. The inclusion criteria were ultrasonographic confirmation of gestational age by a combination of reliable last menstrual period and ultrasonographic measurements, absence of any risk factors for preterm birth, and an uncomplicated pregnancy with expected delivery after 37 completed weeks. If the cervical canal appeared curved, the canal length was measured in multiple linear segments. Means, SDs, and 95% confidence limits were reported for each study period. Student t test was used to compare the groups. Results: A linear relationship was found between cervical length and gestational age (R = 0.90; R2 = 0.85; P < 0.001). Cervical length actually shows a progressive, linear decrease throughout the investigated period of gestation. Although cervical length at each trimester was longer in multiparous than in nulliparous women there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There is a spontaneous shortening in the pregnant cervix throughout gestation, whit a more shortening of the cervical length from the 22-24-week scan to the 32-34-week scan. Reference ranges for the trimesters might be more useful than a single cot-off value for more efficient early diagnosis and management of preterm labour.