title: Is sonographic assessment of the cervix necessary and helpful?
abstract: Transvaginal sonography of the cervix has emerged as a useful window into preterm parturition. Cervical sonography allows measurements of cervical length (CL), which can aid clinicians in identifying women at risk for preterm birth. The use of transvaginal assessments of CL can assist in the triage of patients with possible preterm labor. Recent studies also support the use of CL measurements as a means of determining appropriate candidates for cerclage placement and progesterone supplementation to reduce the risk of premature birth, further highlighting the importance of this modality in modern obstetric management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Joel.larma@osumc.edu
authors.forename: Joel D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Larma
authors.forename: Jay D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Iams
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical; D054791:Cervical Length Measurement; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D011372:Progestins; D011374:Progesterone