Induction was performed if membranes were still intact and cervical dilation was less than four centimetres five hours after medication for therapeutic rest. For participants with an unripe cervix intravaginal prostaglandin E2 (PgE2, dinoproston) was used. A transcervical catheter (BARD) was inserted if this procedure was possible 19 and if cervical dilatation permitted, amniotomy was performed. The physician in charge performed all assessments and procedures except amniotomy.

When the participants reached the active phase they were monitored according to the clinical guidelines.

The participants in the control group awaited spontaneous onset of labour as long as possible (expectant management). If contractions had ceased or subsided after the therapeutic rest women could be discharged from hospital, but were still included in the study. When reaching the active phase of labour women were monitored according to the clinical guidelines.

Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire - validated instrument. The 33 question questionnaire was filled in by the participance two days after delivery at postnatal care unit or at home.

Duration of labour was measured in hours from cervical dilatation of four cm until delivery. Only the most active analgesia was recorded during active delivery (from cervical dilatation of four cm until delivery). Intrapartum exogenous oxytocin stimulation during active labour was recorded (yes or no). Post partum hemorrhage was measured from delivery and until two hours after delivery.