Cervical Length Screening in Asymptomatic Women at High Risk and Low Risk for Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Jun;59(2):241-51. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000195.

Abstract

Cervical length (CL) screening should be offered to singletons because there are interventions for those with a short CL. A transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) is the "gold standard" for CL. In singletons with prior spontaneous preterm birth, serial TVU CL screening is recommended between 16 and 23 6/7 weeks. Universal TVU CL screening between 18 and 24 weeks may be considered for low-risk singletons with the administration of vaginal progesterone for TVU CL≤20 mm; alternatively, transabdominal ultrasound CL screening may be considered with reflux to TVU CL screening for a transabdominal ultrasound CL<35 mm or inadequate visualization. CL screening is not recommended in multiples.

MeSH terms

  • Asymptomatic Diseases*
  • Cervical Length Measurement / methods*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, High-Risk
  • Premature Birth / etiology*
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Uterine Cervical Incompetence / diagnostic imaging*