[Cervix and tocography screening in basic pregnancy monitoring]

Report about a myometrial contractility-screening in 2462 asymptomatic pregnancies at 30 weeks of gestation. A cervical examination was performed in the 26th and 33th weeks of gestation. An increased uterine contraction frequency was obtained in 3% and a cervical opening in 5.6%. Uterine contractions with cervical opening are a high-risk factor of prematurity (52%-70%) whereas uterine contractions alone are of low-risk. The prevention of preterm birth is useful. We found a significant decrease of early neonatal mortality in 487 singleton preterm deliveries after treatment. A classification of unexplained preterm delivery, iatrogenic or elective preterm delivery and complicated preterm labor is recommended for controlled outpatient and clinical trials.