Researchers say that a simple test can now accurately predict a woman’s due date.
Currently, worldwide, only 5 per cent of women deliver on their due date. The study authors estimate that due dates can be off by as much as two or three weeks.
Lead author Dr. Vincenzo Berghella, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, said “Measuring cervical length via ultrasound at around 37 to 39 weeks can give us a better sense of whether a mother will deliver soon or not.
“Women always ask for a better sense of their delivery date in order to help them prepare for work leave or to make contingency plans for sibling care during labor. These are plans which help reduce a woman’s anxiety about the onset of labor.
“But having a better sense can also help obstetricians provide information that could help improve or even save a mother’s or baby’s life.”
The study examined the findings of five studies that included 735 women in all. The women had single-child pregnancies with babies in the correct head-down position.