Cervical Assessment
The cervix is otherwise referred to as the neck or entrance to the womb. It serves important functions during pregnancy. Ultrasound scan is an effective method of measuring the length of the cervix, if done under standard criteria. The cervical length provides a reliable prediction of the risk of early preterm delivery, i.e before 32 weeks, when it is done in the first trimester. The cervical length value in women presenting with suspected labor pains before 37 weeks can distinguish between true (those who will proceed into labor) and false labor (those who will not deliver within next 7 days). The prediction of likelihood of cesarean section after induction of labor can also be determined with cervical length measurement at term.
All women with risk factors for preterm delivery should have a cervical assessment performed by a certified fetal medicine physician or sonographer.
