Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG25/5

Question

Does progesterone reduce the risk of preterm birth in women who have risk factors for preterm birth, but do not have a short cervix (cervical length of more than 25 mm)?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Preterm birth is a cause of significant morbidity for women and babies, and impacts negatively on women and their families, as well as being costly to the NHS. There is good evidence for the use of progesterone to reduce preterm birth, however studies include women with a combination of risk factors for preterm birth, such as a history of preterm birth and a shortened cervix.

There is no evidence for the effectiveness of progesterone in women who do not have a short cervix, but who do have other risk factors for preterm birth. It is therefore difficult to decide if progesterone should be recommended for these women, and also whether measuring the cervical length to guide treatment is necessary.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Preterm labour and birth

Number

NG25

Date issued

November 2015

Other details