Cervical collagen concentration within 15 months after delivery.

OBJECTIVE

Cervical collagen concentration decreases during pregnancy. The increased risk of preterm birth after a short interpregnancy interval may be explained by an incomplete remodeling of the cervix. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in cervical collagen concentration over 15 months after delivery.

STUDY

DESIGN

The collagen concentrations were determined in cervical biopsy specimens that were obtained from 15 women at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after delivery.

RESULTS

The mean cervical collagen concentrations were 50%, 59%, 63%, 65%, and 65% of dry weight (SD, 4.2-6.5). This increase was statistically significant until month 9, but not between months 9 and 12.

CONCLUSION

Low collagen concentrations in the uterine cervix may contribute to the association between a short interpregnancy interval and preterm birth.