Transvaginal Ultrasound Measurement of the Uterocervical Angle for Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the predictive values for spontaneous preterm birth by using transvaginal ultrasonography of the uterocervical angle (UCA) in pregnant women with 16-24 weeks’ gestationMaterials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in singleton pregnant women with 16-24 weeks’ gestation. The UCA was performed at the time of cervical length screening. The data were recorded. Then the predictive values for spontaneous preterm birth were calculated. Results: The data from 528 pregnant women was analyzed. Fifty-nine women developed spontaneous preterm birth and seven of these developed preterm birth at 95 degrees detected during the second trimester was associated with an increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks. This data showed that the uterocervical angle may be used as a screening tool for spontaneous preterm birth.

Keywords

• cervical length
• preterm birth
• transvaginal ultrasound
• uterocervical angle