Clinical obstetrics and gynecology
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Preterm birth remains a considerable public health concern and priority. Little headway has been made in the prevention of preterm birth despite considerable research in this area. New ideas and treatments are desperately needed. ⋯ It appears to be low cost with minimal side effects. This review focuses on the available evidence for the use of cervical pessaries for the prevention of preterm birth, especially in a high-risk population with a shortened cervical length. Larger scale randomized-controlled trials are warranted before incorporation of the pessary into standard obstetrical practice.