[Length of the uterine cervix toward the end of pregnancy--a sonographic study].

In the last weeks of gestation a progressive effacement of the uterine cervix can be observed. 28 patients underwent sonographical investigation weekly between 30th and 40th week of gestation for measuring the cervical length. We found a significant shortening of the uterine cervix in primiparae by about 34.4%, in multiparae by about 41.9%. Sonographic measurement enables objective determination of the length of the uterine cervix and can be helpful in observing the course in cases of imminent preterm delivery.