Researchers have revealed that ultrasound scans detecting “microstructural” changes in a woman’s cervix as early as week 23 of pregnancy could indicate a higher risk of preterm birth, even among first-time mothers. This breakthrough could potentially assess risks for premature delivery, which affects 10% to 15% of births.
Traditionally, clinicians rely on signs and symptoms of preterm birth, such as a ruptured membrane. However, this new technique, known as “quantitative ultrasound,” goes beyond visuals by using radiofrequency data from the ultrasound to assess tissue density. According to Barbara McFarlin, the lead author of the study and professor emeritus of nursing at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), this approach allows decisions based on tissue rather than just symptoms.
The research team studied 429 pregnancies of women who gave birth without induction, using quantitative ultrasound to identify microstructural changes in cervical tissue. The scans effectively predicted premature delivery in first-time moms, and the combination of ultrasound data and prior premature birth history was even more accurate in predicting subsequent premature births.
Knowing the likelihood of early delivery at 23 weeks could lead to more frequent appointments to monitor fetal health. Additionally, this study opens the door to exploring ways to prevent or delay preterm birth, according to Bill O’Brien, a study co-author and professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. O’Brien has been involved in researching how quantitative ultrasound data could advance preterm birth prevention efforts.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking use of quantitative ultrasound to detect microstructural changes in the cervix presents a promising avenue for early prediction of preterm birth risks. This innovative approach, introduced as early as week 23 of pregnancy, not only enhances predictive accuracy but also offers opportunities for proactive monitoring and potential interventions to mitigate preterm birth risks
