Activity Rest Prescription and Compliance in Women With Short Cervix [03K]

INTRODUCTION: Despite lack of evidence to support efficacy, activity restriction is one of the most common prescribed interventions used for the prevention of preterm birth. With short cervix being one of the risk factors for preterm birth, the purpose of our study was to determine if women with short cervix are prescribed activity rest and if they are compliant. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of women identified with short cervix (<25 mm) prior to 28 weeks gestation of pregnancy who delivered between January 2018 and February 2019. The verified cohort was contacted by phone and administered a questionnaire to identify details regarding activity rest (work restrictions, pelvic rest, lifting restrictions or bed rest) during pregnancy. The primary outcome is rate of activity restriction in women and compliance of prescribed rest. RESULTS: Of women questioned, 37% of women with short cervix were placed on activity rest and 83% of these women were placed on rest by an obstetrician. 100% of women reported compliance with prescribed activity rest. 41% of women were prescribed pelvic rest separately from other forms of activity rest. Average gestational age at delivery was comparable for women on activity rest and those not on activity rest (31.2 vs 31.7 weeks gestation). CONCLUSION: Women with short cervix are being prescribed activity rest almost exclusively by obstetricians and are strictly compliant. Women consider activity rest and pelvic rest separate entities. Education to physicians may be needed to reduce unnecessary activity rest in pregnancy as it does not improve preterm birth rate.