Second trimester short cervix is associated with decreased abundance of cervicovaginal lipid metabolites

Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal (CV) microbial communities are associated with short cervix, a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Molecular drivers of short cervix remain elusive. Metabolites may function as mediators of pathologic processes. We sought to determine if a distinct CV metabolomic profile is associated with short cervix to unveil potential mechanisms by which premature cervical remodeling leads to short cervix on the pathway to sPTB.