Innovative methods of cervical assessment and potential for novel treatment.

A multitude of pathophysiologic pathways culminate in the final common denominator of cervical softening, shortening, and dilation that lead to preterm birth. At present, a variety of emerging technology aims to objectively quantify critical cervical parameters such as microstructural organization and softening of the cervix. If the nature and timing of cervical changes can be precisely identified, it should be possible to identify the causative upstream molecular processes and resultant biomechanical events associated with each unique pathway. This would promote molecular studies, ultimately leading to novel approaches to preterm birth prediction, novel treatments, and prevention.