Measurement of Cervical Length Using Ultrasonography in Predicting Preterm Labour

Dr A Sri Ramya; Dr Mahajan Mangal S.; Dr Joshi Priscilla C.

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2018

Measurement of Cervical Length Using Ultrasonography in Predicting Preterm Labour

Dr A Sri Ramya, Dr Mahajan Mangal S. , Dr Joshi Priscilla C.

Abstract :

Preterm labor is a major issue in developing countries. Short cervical length is one of the early marker of the preterm labor. Predicting the occurrence of preterm labor by identifying short cervix helps in planning the pregnancy and necessary early intervention hence improving the pregnancy outcome. Aim and Objective: To find out the effectiveness of assessment of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasonography in predicting preterm delivery. Methods and Material: This was a prospective cross sectional qualitative study over the period of 22 months. Total 433 patients forms the study group. All these patients were followed up till delivery & the results were compared. Inference was derived on the basis of comparison of short cervical length related to the preterm labor. Results: Out of 433 patients, 382 patients delivered full term. In 382 patients, 25 had short cervical length (6.54%) and remaining 357 had normal cervical length (93.45%). Out of 433 patients, 51 patients delivered preterm. In 51 patients, 8 had normal cervical length (15.68%) and remaining 43 had short cervical length (84.31%). Our study showed sensitivity of 63.2 %, specificity of 97.8%, positive predictive value of 84.3%, and negative predictive value of 93.4%. Conclusions: Predicting spontaneous preterm birth helps in early intervention and improvement in outcome.