Early labour assessment improved several intrapartum outcomes
Question Can early labour assessment improve intrapartum outcomes?
Design
Randomised controlled trial.
Setting
A large teaching hospital in southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Patients
209 women (mean age 25 y) who were ≥37 weeks gestation, had no previous live births, were identified as low risk according to the Ontario antenatal record, and who had spontaneous labour.
Intervention
105 women were allocated to early assessment of labour status (active or latent). Active labour was defined as the presence of regular, painful contractions and cervical dilation >3 cm. Those not in active labour were provided with encouragement and advice and told to return home or walk outside until labour became more active. 104 women were allocated to direct hospital admission. All women received usual intrapartum care.
Main outcome measures
Rates of caesarean section birth; …
