Transvaginal Ultrasound Cervical Length For Prediction Of Spontaneous Labour At Term: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Prediction of spontaneous labor onset at term is crucial for optimal prenatal care and delivery planning. The Bishop score, a subjective method to assess cervical readiness, has limitations in reliability. Transvaginal ultrasound(TVS) provides a more objective and reproducible measurement of cervical length (CL), which may aid in predicting spontaneous labor and delivery outcomes.

Objectives: To determine cervical length among pregnant women at term using transvaginal ultrasonography and assess the relationship between cervical length and spontaneous labor.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 term pregnant women with singleton cephalic presentation attending the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Adichunchanagiri Hospital and Research Centre, B.G. Nagara, from May 2023 to November 2024. Cervical length was measured via TVS between 37 and 39 weeks of gestation. Participants were monitored for labor onset, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes.

Results: Among 200 women, 57% were primigravida and 43% multigravida. The mean cervical length was significantly longer in primigravida women(2.96±0.42cm) compared to multigravida women (2.79 ± 0.36 cm; p=0.0018).Women with sedentary occupational activity had longer cervical lengths (3.16 ± 0.50 cm) compared to those with heavy physical activity(2.68±0.36cm;p<0.001).The majority (73.5%) had full-term normal delivery, while 20.5% underwent cesarean section.

Conclusion: Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length is a valuable, objective tool for predicting spontaneous labor onset and mode of delivery at term. Parity and physical activity influence cervical length and should be considered in clinical assessments. Incorporation of cervical length measurement into routine prenatal care may improve labor management and neonatal outcomes.