The Use of Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Prediction of Preterm Delivery

Abstract

Despite improvements in obstetric management, the rate of prematurity has not changed appreciably in the last two decades. To address this problem, identification of women at risk is an important objective. Recently, transvaginal ultrasound assessment of cervical length has been shown to be superior to digital examination of cervical dilatation and effacement in the prediction of preterm delivery in both low risk asymptomatic women and those that present with suspected preterm labour. Studies incorporating transvaginal ultrasound into interventional trials are needed to determine the efficacy of cervical length measurement in the prevention of preterm birth.