Abstract
Objective Our objective was to determine if the relationship between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and preterm delivery was related to cervical shortening. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study designed to assess the relationship between cervical length (CL) and preterm delivery. Multiparous patients, who had transvaginal CLs obtained at 22 to 24 weeks and complete pregnancy outcome data available were included. The women were divided into two groups: Group 1 with an IPI of ≤ 1 year and Group 2 with an IPI of > 1 year. The primary outcome was short cervix (CL < 2.5 cm) at 24 weeks. The secondary outcome was the incidence of preterm delivery < 37 weeks. Interaction between short cervix and IPI was examined in a regression model. Results There were 155 women in Group 1 and 328 women in Group 2. There was no difference in the incidence of short cervix between groups (10.0% in Group 1 and 12.9% in Group 2, p = 0.35). In a logistic regression model, short IPI and short cervix were independently associated with preterm birth. Conclusion The relationship between short IPI and preterm birth is not explained by a short cervix. They remain independent risk factors for preterm birth.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
