Prevention of Preterm Birth Using Cervical Pessary in Pregnant Women After Threatened Preterm Labor(PECEP-RETARD)

Prevention of Preterm Birth Using Cervical Pessary in Pregnant Women After Threatened Preterm Labor

Placement of a vaginal pessary reduces significantly the rate of spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant women with short cervical length after an episode of threatened preterm labour.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Minimal age of 18 years
• Episode of threatened preterm labour

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major fetal abnormalities (requiring surgery or leading to infant death or severe handicap)
• Spontaneous rupture of membranes at the time of randomization
• Cervical cerclage in situ
• Active vaginal bleeding
• Placenta previa

Sample size: 336 singleton (168 per arm) and 128 twins (64 per arm).