NICE has published new guidelines covering the treatment of women at increased risk or with symptoms of preterm labour (before 37 weeks).
Preterm birth is the single biggest cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the UK.
Over 52,000 babies (around 7.3% of live births) in England and Wales in 2012 were born preterm, ie before 37+0 weeks of pregnancy.
There has been no decline in the preterm birth rate in the UK over the last 10 years.
The guidance aims to reduce the risks of preterm birth for the baby and describes treatments to prevent or delay early labour and birth.
Included within the document is important information for sonographers on transvaginal ultrasound examinations for cervical length, which can be found in points 1.2.1, 1.7.4, 1.7.7 and 1.7.8.
Click here to read the guidance and for more information.