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Association between second-trimester cervical length and cesarean delivery in multiparas
Emily S Miller1, Brett Einerson2, Sadia Sahabi2
1From Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois USA. Revision requested January 20, 2014. emily-miller-1@fsm.northwestern.edu.
Summary
Second-trimester cervical length in multiparous women does not predict cesarean delivery risk. This study found no association between cervical length quartiles and cesarean delivery frequency in women with prior vaginal births.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Cervical length measurement in the second trimester is used to predict preterm birth.
- Its association with cesarean delivery risk in multiparous women is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between second-trimester cervical length and the likelihood of cesarean delivery in women with a history of vaginal birth.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 2260 multiparous women with singleton gestations.
- Cervical length measured between 18-24 weeks' gestation, divided into quartiles.
- Cesarean delivery rates compared across quartiles using multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between second-trimester cervical length quartiles and cesarean delivery rates (2.1% to 3.5%).
- Analysis of cervical length as a continuous variable also showed no association (adjusted odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.80-1.46).
Conclusions:
- Second-trimester cervical length is not a predictor of cesarean delivery in multiparous women.
- This finding contrasts with observations in nulliparous populations, suggesting different underlying mechanisms or risk factors.
