Intrapartum ultrasound for cervical dilatation: Inter- and intra-observer agreement

Abstract

Digital vaginal examination (DVE) is considered the standard of care for assessing labor progress and cervical dilatation. However, it may be painful and is a subjective method that can increase the risk of chorioamnionitis. Known inter- and intra-observer variability exists in measurements of cervical dilatation obtained digitally. However, little is known about the inter- and intra-observer variability when using intrapartum transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). Our objectives were to investigate the relationship between cervical dilatation as assessed by TPUS and DVE. To assess inter- and intra-observer variability in both single and repeated ultrasound assessments of cervical dilatation during active labor.