to assess the significance of cervical length in determination of preterm labour in primigravida

Abstract

Preterm labour is defined as commencement of labour pains starting at any time before 37 completed weeks of gestation and is associated with many complications. Thus its early detection and prevention is of paramount importance to the obstetrician. This study highlights the importance of cervical length measurement by ultrasound as a predictor of preterm labour and importance of its serial estimation in both 1 st and 2 nd trimester. Materials and Methods: This study was a Prospective Observational type of a study done in Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune including all the pregnant women attending the OPD in the study period. Total 304 cases studied during the observation period. Results: The detection of short cervix is having a statistically significant predictive value for pre-term labour. When we combine 1st and 2nd trimester cervical length's relation with term and pre term delivery we can say that short cervix (1st & 2nd) trimester has a significant percentage of predictive value for preterm delivery. Conclusion:Our study showed the importance of cervical length estimation as a predictor of preterm labour and its assessment for risk stratification in patients to reduce morbidity.