Introducing a preterm surveillance clinic to manage high-risk women

Abstract

Preterm birth, or birth before 37 weeks, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in babies. Dedicated preterm surveillance clinics have been shown to be an effective way of managing high-risk women. Given the lack of national guidance on the specifics of preterm surveillance, the aim of this article is to discuss the practicalities of establishing a dedicated preterm surveillance clinic; specifically how to identify high-risk women, what surveillance can be offered, how to standardise the transvaginal ultrasound cervical assessment, and suggested management pathways.