Specialty: Obstetrics
Age group: All
Direct to an emergency department with a maternity service for:
- Pregnant person with open cervix.
Criteria for referral to level 6 public hospital maternity service
- Cervical length less than 10 millimetres measured by transvaginal scan with an empty bladder, performed over a minimum of 3 minutes to allow for dynamic cervix changes, at or before 26 weeks
- Cervical length less than 25 millimetres measured by transvaginal scan with an empty bladder, performed over a minimum of 3 minutes to allow for dynamic cervix changes, at or before 26 weeks unless the current obstetrics service provides a specialised preterm labour surveillance program.
Information to be included in the referral
Information that must be provided
- Antenatal history particularly including any history of preterm birth, cervical surgery, uterine anomalies
- Ultrasound reports.
Provide if available
• Cervical microbiology.
Additional comments
The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.
Early referral on diagnosis is crucial.
Referral to a level 6 maternity service should be considered in the context of the local maternity service system. Referring clinicians should contact the closest level 5 maternity service to discuss options.
Referral to a level 6 public hospital maternity service is not appropriate for
Not applicable.
Reviewed 26 May 2025