Treatment Overview
The Cervical Length & Preterm Risk Screening Ultrasound is a vital diagnostic test that helps detect the risk of premature labor by measuring the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. A short cervix can indicate a higher risk for preterm birth, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
In Korea, specialized women’s hospitals and maternal-fetal medicine centers perform this screening using high-resolution transvaginal ultrasound and AI-enhanced measurement technology to ensure accuracy and early detection. This ultrasound is particularly important for high-risk pregnancies, helping doctors prevent complications through proactive monitoring and intervention.
Korean medical facilities are internationally recognized for their precision imaging systems, advanced preterm birth prevention programs, and integrated maternal care — offering world-class safety for both mother and baby.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To measure the length and structure of the cervix to evaluate the risk of preterm labor.
- To detect early cervical shortening or funneling before symptoms occur.
- To guide treatment decisions such as cerclage, progesterone therapy, or bed rest.
- To provide early intervention and individualized care for at-risk mothers.
Benefits:
- Early detection of preterm risk: Enables preventive treatment before labor begins.
- Accurate, painless screening: Provides clear visualization of cervical changes.
- Non-invasive and safe: Uses sound waves with no radiation exposure.
- Improves pregnancy outcomes: Reduces chances of early delivery and neonatal complications.
- Supports targeted maternal-fetal care: Helps specialists customize management plans based on real-time cervical findings.
Ideal Candidates
Cervical length screening is recommended for all expectant mothers between 16 and 24 weeks, but it is particularly important for:
- Women with a history of preterm labor or second-trimester miscarriage.
- Mothers with short cervix identified in previous pregnancies.
- Women carrying twins or higher-order multiples.
- Patients with uterine anomalies, cervical surgery history, or LEEP/conization procedures.
- Pregnancies conceived through IVF or assisted reproduction.
- Expectant mothers diagnosed with uterine or placental abnormalities.
Possible Risks & Considerations
- The ultrasound is safe and non-invasive, with no known risks to mother or baby.
- Minor discomfort may occur during transvaginal scanning due to probe insertion.
- Cervical length can vary depending on bladder fullness and gestational stage; thus, standardized technique is crucial.
- If a short cervix is detected (<25 mm), further treatment or hospitalization may be recommended.
Korean hospitals maintain the highest safety and hygiene standards, using advanced sterilization and precision equipment for transvaginal procedures.
Medical & Diagnostic Techniques Used in Korea
Korean maternal-fetal specialists use highly sophisticated imaging systems and screening protocols, ensuring accuracy and predictive reliability:
- Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS): The gold standard for cervical length measurement, providing clear images of the cervix and internal os.
- Transabdominal Ultrasound (TAUS): Used in combination to confirm uterine and placental conditions.
- 3D/4D Cervical Imaging: Visualizes the cervical canal and funneling in greater detail.
- AI-Enhanced Cervical Analysis: Automatically calculates cervical length, volume, and dynamic changes.
- Dynamic Stress Testing: Assesses cervical response during gentle pressure or contractions.
- Doppler Flow Studies: Evaluates uterine artery resistance to identify poor placental perfusion associated with preterm risk.
- Integrated Screening Models: Combines ultrasound findings with biomarkers such as fetal fibronectin or progesterone levels for comprehensive risk assessment.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Immediate results: Measurements and interpretations are shared right after the scan.
- No downtime: The procedure is quick, comfortable, and does not require recovery.
- Follow-up monitoring: For women with borderline results, repeat scans may be scheduled every 1–2 weeks.
- Preventive management: Based on findings, doctors may prescribe progesterone therapy, recommend rest, or plan cervical cerclage if necessary.
- Patient education: Counseling on warning signs (pressure, cramping, discharge) and lifestyle guidance are provided to reduce preterm risk.
Korean hospitals emphasize ongoing care and emotional support, ensuring mothers feel secure and informed throughout the monitoring process.
Results & Longevity
- Immediate, reliable outcomes: Real-time measurement provides precise cervical status.
- Predictive value: A short or funneling cervix indicates higher preterm risk, allowing early prevention.
- Improved pregnancy longevity: Early interventions extend gestation and improve neonatal outcomes.
- Enhanced maternal confidence: Frequent monitoring reassures mothers with prior complications.
- Holistic care impact: Combined with fetal monitoring, it helps sustain pregnancy to full term.
Korea’s data-driven prenatal systems have significantly reduced premature birth rates through early screening and individualized management.
Procedure Process in Korea
1. Pre-Scan Consultation
Patients meet with the obstetrician to review their medical and pregnancy history. The optimal time for cervical assessment is determined, typically between 16–24 weeks.
2. Ultrasound Procedure
A transvaginal ultrasound probe is gently inserted for direct visualization of the cervix. The sonographer measures cervical length and observes the internal os for signs of funneling or dilation.
3. Result Interpretation
The physician explains findings immediately, comparing them with gestational age norms and prior scans.
4. Management Planning
If abnormalities are found, treatment options such as vaginal progesterone, cervical pessary, or cerclage are discussed.
5. Follow-Up & Monitoring
Repeat scans are scheduled at regular intervals to track changes and adjust care accordingly.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- High-level maternal-fetal medicine expertise in preterm risk management.
- Use of AI-assisted ultrasound imaging for superior accuracy and consistency.
- Integrated multidisciplinary care including obstetricians, neonatologists, and high-risk specialists.
- Patient-centered environment offering privacy, comfort, and emotional support.
- Comprehensive high-risk pregnancy programs focused on prevention, not just treatment.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-powered cervical measurement algorithms improving early risk detection.
- 3D cervical modeling systems visualizing canal length and elasticity in real time.
- Non-invasive risk scoring integration using biometrics and medical history.
- Combined ultrasound-lab analytics linking progesterone levels with cervical imaging for precision care.
Cost Range
The cost of a Cervical Length & Preterm Risk Screening Ultrasound in Korea varies by hospital, technology used, and risk classification:
- Standard cervical length ultrasound: USD 150 – 300
- Transvaginal Doppler and 3D imaging: USD 300 – 600
- High-risk preterm risk assessment package: USD 700 – 1,200
- Integrated screening with biomarker testing: USD 1,000 – 1,800
Many Korean hospitals offer pregnancy monitoring packages that include this screening along with growth tracking and prenatal consultations.
Popular Hospitals and Centers in Korea
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Known for preterm birth prevention and advanced cervical evaluation.
- Samsung Medical Center (Seoul): Provides AI-based cervical imaging and comprehensive risk management.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University Health System): Specializes in dynamic cervical screening and high-risk pregnancy monitoring.
- CHA Bundang Women’s Hospital: Offers cervical cerclage programs with routine ultrasound follow-up.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Focuses on preventive preterm care with integrated ultrasound and hormonal therapy.
