2024-03-12 19:56:07
The study focused specifically on pregnant women with a shortened cervix, who are at increased risk of premature birth. Pajkrt and her team compared the effectiveness of two preventive measures: administering the hormone progesterone and using a pessary, a rubber ring around the cervix.
‘All children born prematurely experience the consequences later in life’
Pajkrt explains: “It turned out that during extreme preterm labor, in women with a cervix shorter than 25 mm, progesterone worked much better. Outside of that, it didn’t matter much.” These findings highlight the value of progesterone therapy as an effective strategy to prevent preterm birth. The importance of this discovery cannot be overestimated, given the serious consequences of premature birth for both children and their parents. Pajkrt emphasizes: “All children who are born prematurely experience the consequences later in life. Think of developmental problems, motor problems and behavioral problems.”
Importance of awareness and changes in healthcare practice
These findings also have implications for obstetric care practice. Pajkrt advocates measuring the cervix as standard from now on during the 20-week ultrasound. She explains: “A short cervix is a strong risk factor for premature birth. This is now happening in some places, but unfortunately it is not yet standard. We want to offer all mothers with a shortened cervix the opportunity to take progesterone.”
However, this change in healthcare practice may encounter some resistance due to practical reasons such as time and money. Pajkrt explains: “A 20-week ultrasound has a certain length and reimbursement. To take the measurement, a woman has to urinate and she is examined vaginally. That takes 10 minutes longer. Money has to be found for this.” In addition to using progesterone therapy, there are also other ways to prevent premature birth, such as avoiding risk factors such as smoking and minimizing procedures such as curettage. Pajkrt emphasizes the importance of raising awareness around these issues.
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