SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF CERVICAL CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY - CURRENT CONCEPTS

Correct detection of premature contractions and incompetent uterine ce rvix is still a challenging obstetrical problem since these factors re main a major cause of perinatal loss. Ultrasonography offers additiona l important data for the prediction of these pathologies which have co mmon sonographic patterns; shortening of the cervical length, funnelin g of the membranes and dilatation of the endocervical canal. The first section of this review highlights sonography of normal cervical anato my, while the second section focuses on recent advances in sonographic detection of premature contractions and incompetent cervix. It is bel ieved that due to its accuracy and reproducibility, this noninvasive t echnique should become more integrated into this aspect of antenatal c are.