Preterm Birth Risk Assessment
Clarity, reassurance, and a personalised plan—when you need it most.
Our Preterm Birth Risk Assessment is designed to identify your risk of early labour and help you feel informed about the next steps. The appointment includes a detailed review of your pregnancy and medical history, followed by an accurate transvaginal ultrasound measurement of your cervical length (the most reliable way to assess the cervix). You’ll receive a clear explanation of what your results mean for you, and—if needed—a tailored plan for ongoing monitoring or referral into the right specialist pathway. It’s a calm, sensitive, consultant-led assessment focused on supporting you with evidence-based guidance and reassurance.
Why have a preterm assessment scan?
A preterm birth risk assessment can give you clarity when there’s uncertainty—especially if you’ve had a previous preterm birth or late miscarriage, a shortened cervix in a prior pregnancy, cervical surgery, multiple pregnancy, bleeding, or simply ongoing anxiety about risk. By combining a careful review of your history with an accurate transvaginal measurement of cervical length, we can identify early signs that extra monitoring or treatment may help reduce the chance of early labour. Just as importantly, it can provide reassurance when findings are normal—so you’re not left guessing, and you leave with a clear, personalised plan for the rest of your pregnancy.
A Preterm Birth Risk Assessment may be right for you if you:
Have had a previous preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
Have experienced a late miscarriage (second trimester loss)
Have a history of cervical surgery (for example LLETZ/LEEP, cone biopsy) or a known cervical weakness
Have had a short cervix or needed a cervical stitch (cerclage) in a previous pregnancy
Are pregnant with twins or higher-order multiples
Have had uterine surgery or a uterine shape difference (e.g., fibroids or congenital uterine anomaly) that may increase risk
Are experiencing symptoms such as recurrent tightening/contractions, pelvic pressure, or unexplained bleeding/discharge
Would simply like reassurance and a clear plan because of a worry about preterm birth risk
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If you’re unsure whether this assessment is the right fit, we can guide you to the most appropriate appointment based on your history and how far along you are.
Who is this scan for?
Your Preterm Birth Risk Assessment is designed to look for signs that may increase the chance of early labour, and to guide the most appropriate next steps. It can assess:
Cervical length (via transvaginal ultrasound) – the most accurate way to measure the cervix and identify a short cervix.
Cervical appearance – including early funnelling (opening of the internal cervix) or other features that can suggest increased risk.
Symptoms in context – we review any tightening, pelvic pressure, bleeding, or discharge alongside your scan findings to judge whether further assessment is needed.
Your individual risk profile – a structured review of your previous pregnancies, cervical surgery (e.g., LLETZ/LEEP), and any relevant medical factors that may affect risk.
Need for monitoring or referral – whether you would benefit from repeat cervical measurements, a specialist preterm birth pathway, or further tests/treatment if indicated.
A clear, personalised plan – reassurance when findings are normal, or a step-by-step management plan when additional support is recommended.
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This assessment is focused on giving you clear answers and a tailored plan, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
What this assessment evaluate
