The PRECISION study protocol: Can cervical stiffness in the second trimester predict preterm birth in high-risk singleton pregnancies? A feasibility, cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. More than 13 million babies are affected globally every year and PTB will contribute to over 900,000 deaths. In the UK, PTB affects 8% of pregnancies and costs more than £260 million annually in neonatal care. Identifying those at risk of this devastating complication of pregnancy and implementing preventative treatment remains a maternal health priority. The mainstay of PTB prevention has been assessment of cervical length (CL) in women at high-risk of PTB. However, CL has limitations, namely it is invasive, user dependent and varies over time through pregnancy. Importantly, not all those who are high-risk with a short CL will subsequently deliver preterm and CL screening doesn't identify a sub-

SUBMITTER: Medford E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11844860 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature