Ultrasound predicts spontaneous onset of labor and successful delivery in prolonged pregnancies

February 19, 2008 Ultrasound predicts spontaneous onset of labor and successful delivery in prolonged pregnancies Wendy Despain -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ultrasound assessment of cervical length in first pregnancies past 41 weeks can serve as an independent predictor of the likelihood of spontaneous labor and successful vaginal delivery. Cervical length was shorter in women who experienced spontaneous onset of labor. Dr. P. Vankayalapati and colleagues in the fetal medicine unit at St. George's Hospital in London published their study in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, which made it available online Feb. 8. They worked with women up to 41 + three weeks of pregnancy who presented at a dedicated clinic for postdate pregnancies. Patients were examined with transvaginal ultrasound to assess cervical length, and results were recorded until the progress and outcome of the pregnancy was known. Those who reached 42 weeks without delivery were given the option of induced labor.

See full article and related articles at DiagnosticImaging.com
This article was republished with permission from CMPMedica, LLC