Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length. Evaluation of twin pregnancies

Twin gestations continue to contribute significantly to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The increased perinatal risks associated with twin gestations are directly related to prematurity. Thus, further characterization of the risks of prematurity may yield useful information in managing these patients. We investigated transvaginal ultrasound measurement of the cervix throughout twin gestations and compared these findings to those in singleton pregnancies. Twenty-five patients with twin gestations underwent 53 cervical length measurements. As compared to cervical length in singleton pregnancies, that in twins was significantly shorter for matched gestational age groups.