Comparison Between Natural Progesterone and Vaginal Pessary for the Prevention of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Pregnant Women With a Uterine Cervix Measuring 25 mm or Less in Length

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The rates of spontaneous premature labor have not changed much during the past 10 years. A significant decrease in mortality and morbidity of premature babies will only be possible if women at risk of spontaneous preterm birth are accurately identified and administered preventive therapies. Ultrasonographic measurement of the cervix between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation can improve the identification of both women with single pregnancies and those with twin pregnancies at risk. Asymptomatic women with a short uterine cervix (25 mm or less) are at increased risk of spontaneous premature labor.

The prophylactic use of progesterone during the early phase of pregnancy in women with a history of preterm birth and those with a short cervix can prevent preterm birth.

The cervical pessary is a device used also for the prevention of preterm birth. Vaginal infections are also important causes of preterm birth. There are not many studies about the vaginal microbiome in pregnant women.

Measurement of cervical length is used as a screening test because it is inexpensive, has a short learning curve, and is well tolerated by patients. In addition, placement and removal of the pessary is an easy, accessible, and noninvasive procedure. The results on the concentration of omega 3 and preterm birth are still conflicting.

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the cervical pessary and the natural progesterone in reduction of preterm birth rates in pregnant women with a uterine cervix measuring 25 mm or less in length as evaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography, assess whether there is a relationship between maternal plasma concentration of omega 3 and preterm birth, and compare the microbiome in these women.