The interaction between the vaginal microbiome, cervical length and vaginal progesterone treatment for preterm birth risk

Preterm birth is the primary cause of infant death worldwide. A short cervix in the second trimester of pregnancy is a risk factor for preterm birth. In specific patient cohorts, vaginal progesterone reduces this risk. By using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in women at risk of preterm birth (n = 161), the study assessed 1) the relationship between vaginal microbiota and cervical length in the second trimester and preterm birth risk and 2) the impact of vaginal progesterone on vaginal bacterial communities in women with a short cervix.