The validity of cervical dilation as an indication of true labor between 32 and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation

Objective: Cervical dilation with regular contraction traditionally has been used to differentiate between true and false labor. This diagnostic criterion has not been tested as most patients receive tocolytics. Our objective was to determine the time from admission to delivery in women with preterm contractions and advanced cervical dilation without tocolytics. Study Design: We reviewed the records of patients with preterm labor on the basis of regular contractions and cervical dilation ≥3 cm between 32 and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation. Chi-square analysis was performed for delivery at >1 week. Results: In the records, 68.8% of the patients remained pregnant at >1 week without tocolysis. Between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation, the use of tocolysis did not help to prolong pregnancy >1 week (81% vs 88%; α = .05; power = 0.65). Conclusion: Cervical dilation with preterm contraction cannot be used as an indication of true labor. More accurate methods to diagnose true preterm labor and direct management decisions are needed.