Obstetrics & Gynecology News Archive Featured in the Media JeffNEWS

Physicians in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital are participating in a nationwide study to learn if cerclage--a “stitch” placed at the base of a woman’s cervix to ensure that it is kept closed during pregnancy--is beneficial in delaying or preventing preterm or premature birth in those women with a history of prior premature birth.

“As only a few randomized contradicting studies have been undertaken on this subject, it remains unclear but promising if cerclage is an effective intervention in preventing preterm birth,” said Vincenzo Berghella, M.D., director, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. “The goal of this study is to learn whether or not the procedure is effective in a certain population of women, i.e.--those who had a prior preterm birth.”

The study is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Thomas Jefferson University is one of only 11 institutions in the United States to participate.  

One in every eight babies is born prematurely--defined as occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy. As a result of not being carried to term, premature babies have  an increased risk for serious lung and eye conditions and life-threatening infections.

Study participants must enroll prior to 16 weeks of pregnancy and must have had a previous premature delivery. They need not deliver their baby at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

As this is a randomized study, pregnant women who are accepted may or may not receive the cerclage. All participants will meet weekly with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine research nurse at Jefferson and receive counseling about signs and symptoms of preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. They will also have a series of ultrasounds beginning at 16 weeks.

For information, call 215-955-7709 or 1-800-JEFF-NOW.