Comparison of the Cervical Length during Second Trimester of Pregnancy between Teenage and Adult Primigravidae

Abstract

Objective: To compare cervical length at midgestation (18+0 - 23+6 weeks of gestation) between primigravida teenage (<19 years) and adult (≥19 years) pregnant women.
Study design: Prospective cohort study
Material and methods: A transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length at midgestation was performed in each primigravida teenage or adult pregnant woman who attended our antenatal clinic between June 2014 and February 2015. Cervical length as well as prevalence of shortened cervix (≤ 25 mm) were compared between both groups of women.
Results: A total of 44 teenage and 46 adult pregnant women completed the study. The mean cervical length in the teenage group was not significantly different from that in the adult group (34.42 ± 6.71 mm. VS 36.89 ± 7.83 mm; P = 0.112). The prevalence of shortened cervix were also not significantly different between both groups (6.8% VS 6.5%; P = 0.995). Women who had a shortened cervix had a significantly higher prevalence of preterm delivery than those with a normal cervix (83.3% VS 13.1%; P = 0.001).
Conclusion: There were no significantly differences in cervical lengths and the prevalence of shortened cervix at midgestation between primigravidae teenage and adult pregnant women.