Short Cervical Length

Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the cervix has emerged in the last 25 years as an effective screening method for predicting those pregnancies which will spontaneously deliver preterm, with cervical length < 25 mm having the best predictive accuracy. The shorter the cervical length, and the earlier in pregnancy it is detected, the higher the risk for preterm birth. Using other risk factors for preterm birth along with cervical length is important to further stratify the risk for preterm birth, as well as to clarify for which group of women intervention (e.g. cerclage, progesterone) would be most beneficial. Cervical length can also be a useful tool in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of preterm labor.