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Is cervical length associated with maternal characteristics?

A J van der Ven1, M A van Os2, C E Kleinrouweler1

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European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|March 16, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Shorter mid-trimester cervical length (CL) is linked to higher maternal weight, younger age, nulliparity, and non-Caucasian ethnicity. This finding aids in identifying women at risk for preterm birth using CL screening.

Keywords:
Cervical lengthMaternal characteristicsMaternal height

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Short mid-trimester cervical length (CL) is a known risk factor for preterm delivery.
  • Cervical length measurement during the anomaly scan serves as a potential screening tool for preterm birth risk.
  • Understanding associations between CL and maternal characteristics is crucial for refining risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between mid-trimester cervical length (CL) and various maternal characteristics.
  • To identify maternal factors associated with a shorter cervical length, a predictor of preterm delivery.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide screening study involving 5092 low-risk singleton pregnancies.
  • Cervical length (CL) was measured during the routine anomaly scan.
  • Maternal height, pre-pregnancy weight, ethnicity, parity, and gestational age were analyzed using univariable and multivariable regression.

Main Results:

  • Maternal weight showed a significant association with cervical length (CL) (p=0.007).
  • Ethnicity was associated with CL, with variations observed across Caucasian, Asian, Mediterranean, and African women (p=0.003).
  • Parity demonstrated a strong association, with multiparous women having longer CL than nulliparous women (p<0.0001). No association was found with maternal height or gestational age.

Conclusions:

  • Shorter mid-trimester cervical length (CL) is associated with higher maternal weight, younger maternal age, nulliparity, and non-Caucasian ethnicity.
  • These associations can help refine the identification of women at increased risk for preterm delivery.
  • Maternal height was not found to be associated with cervical length.