Seminars in perinatology
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Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. The risk of preterm birth is inversely proportional to the length of the cervix on transvaginal sonography. ⋯ The pessary may represent an easy and safe intervention in the treatment of a short cervix diagnosed in the midtrimester. Further research is merited to evaluate the role of the cervical pessary as an alternative treatment for a short cervix or for women at high risk for preterm birth.