Patients with a transabdominal cerclage due to recurrent mid-trimester losses are not at higher risk of foetal growth restriction: a retrospective study

Foetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with neonatal morbidity, suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes and chronic diseases. Successful pregnancies of women with recurrent mid-trimester pregnancy losses may still be at risk of FGR and small for gestational age (SGA) outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether patients with recurrent mid-trimester pregnancy losses who undergo transabdominal cerclage (TAC) are at an increased risk of FGR. Due to a paucity of information in this regard, and to inform accurate counselling, we performed a secondary analysis of a unique set of patients with a TAC procedure. Foetal growth restriction (<3rd centile) was present in 8% of cases, with more female than male babies falling in this category (9.2 vs. 7.4%). When combined, FGR plus SGA were present in 19.4% of cases. This rate is not higher than the expected population rate of around 20% in low- and middle-income countries.