EP11.29: Intrapartum ultrasound for assessment of cervical changes and progress of labour

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary institute in central India over a period of 6 months. Women (n = 146) scheduled for labour induction underwent assessment of Bishop's score by trans-perineal ultrasound to measure the anterior-posterior and transverse diameters of cervix (dilatation) and the cervical length. This was followed by digital vaginal examination(DVE)They were also monitored for progress of labour by cervical changes (dilatation and length) and fetal head station defined as head-perineum distance by trans perineal ultrasound. This was followed by DVE. Cervical dilatation could be assessed in 87/146 (59.6%) of women by ultrasound and in all 146 women by DVE. Cervical length was measured in 132/146 (90.4) by ultrasound and in 98.5% (144/146) by DVE. Head station was measured 94.5% (138/146) by trans perineal ultrasound and in 92.4% (135/146) on digital vaginal examination (DVE). There was moderate agreement between ultrasound measurements of cervical dilatation and DVE. Assessment of head descent by head perineum distance had a moderate correlation with fetal head station based on digital vaginal examination. Cervical dilatation during labour could not be reliably assessed by ultrasound. Trans perineal ultrasound is feasible in the labour room with an accuracy that is comparable to digital vaginal examinations. Ultrasound measurements showed good agreement with digital vaginal examinations in assessing cervical changes and fetal head descent during labour.