SONOGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF THE CERVIX DURING PREGNANCY

Sonographic techniques have been developed to study the biometry and b ehavior of the cervix during pregnancy which have led to a better unde rstanding of the pathogenesis of pregnancy loss and preterm birth. Nom ograms have been developed for singleton and twin gestations, and asso ciations between cervical sonographic characteristics and various adve rse pregnancy outcomes have been observed. The new concept of 'relativ e' cervical incompetence suggests that the cervix may be an independen t contributor to preterm birth. The incorporation of cervical sonograp hy in management schemes for the prevention of pregnancy loss or prete rm delivery has the potential to impact favorably on perinatal outcome .