Importance of Transabdominal Cervical Length Measurement in Predicting Preterm Birth

Abstract

Aim: The major aim of our study was to determine the predictive value of cervical length measured transabdominally, a more acceptable method for pregnant women, in preterm birth

Materials and Methods: Our retrospective study included 156 patients who were pregnant between 18-24 weeks and applied to our clinic for routine antenatal screening between March 2018 and March 2021. Cervical length was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography along with routine anatomical scanning. Demographic data of the patients (age, number of gravida, BMI, mode of delivery, smoking, last menstrual period, cervical length measured by transabdominal ultrasonography and week of birth) were obtained from file records.

Results: In our study, 18.2% of patients (2 patients) with cervical length measurement<25 mm gave birth between 24 -32 weeks, 27.3% (3 patients) gave birth between 33-36 weeks, 54.5% (6 patients) gave birth at 37 weeks and beyond. 12.5% of the patients with cervical length measurement of 25-30 mm (2 patients) gave birth between 24 -32 weeks, 12.5% (2 patients) gave birth between 33-36 weeks, 75% (12 patients) gave birth at 37 weeks and beyond. 5.6% (2 patients) of the patients with a cervical length measurement of 30-35 mm gave birth between 33-36 weeks, 94.4% (34 patients) gave birth at 37 weeks and beyond. 1.1% of the patients with cervical length measurement >36 mm (1 patient) gave birth between 24 -32 weeks, 1.1% (1 patient) gave birth Dec 33-36 weeks, 97.8% (91 patients) at 37 weeks and beyond.

Conclusion: Our results proves that cervical length measurement with transabdominal ultrasonography might be used as a first-line method for short cervix screening, which is the most important predictive factor for preterm delivery. However, if the cervix cannot be fully monitored with TA USG and optimum conditions cannot be created, it is necessary to measure with TV USG.