The association of transvaginal ultrasound examination in first trimester of pregnancy and preterm birth

Aim The evaluation of the cervix with ultrasound during pregnancy is a non-invasive method of assessing the progressive anatomical changes that may take place during pregnancy. The relatively high incidence of this pregnancy complication and its often irreversible consequences have led many researchers to seek diagnostic methods for early detection.

The aim of this study was to assess the transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) evaluation of cervix in pregnant women with high risk factors for prematurity in first trimester of pregnancy.

Methods In a retrospective study of 12 years (2006–2018), the method of TVU examined the length of the cervix and the diameter of the inner cervix in 620 pregnant women in first trimester of pregnancy at high risk for preterm birth. The pregnancy pathology included various risk factors for prematurity like as metabolic mother diseases, history of previous habitual abortions, previous preterm birth. The criteria for the pathological condition of the cervix were the determination of the length of the cervical lumen <2.7cm and diameter through cervical spine> 10 mm.

Results A statistically significant relationship (p<-0.0001) was found between abnormal values of the above parameters and a high frequency of preterm births.

In particular, the simultaneous finding of abnormal values was a very strong indicator of a high risk of prematurity.

Conclusion In conclusion, we believe that the early detection of high-risk pregnancies for prematurity by TVU assessment of anatomical changes of the cervical canal contributes significantly to the successful prevention of neonatal prematurity and consequently to the timely appropriate prevention.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 October 2022