BackgroundPreterm birth is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, with practices varying between specialist services.AimTo explore the experiences and views of pregnant women at high-risk of preterm birth who were undergoing tests requiring a speculum examination and procedures at a preterm birth surveillance clinic.MethodsWomen attending for preterm surveillance at a specialist clinic were asked to complete a questionnaire.FindingsA total of 102 participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 97% (n=99) of women found the speculum examination acceptable and 88% (n=90) stated they would be happy to have the examination again if required. This was comparable to 95% (n=97) of women who stated they found the transvaginal ultrasound examination acceptable.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that women at risk of preterm birth find speculum examinations and transvaginal ultrasound scans for cervical length measurement acceptable.
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