Trial on Early Induction Versus Expectant Management of Nulliparous Women With a Prolonged Latent Phase

The purpose of the study was to compare early induction versus expectant management regarding outcome and experience of delivery in nulliparous women with a prolonged latent phase.

Inclusion Criteria:

• generally healthy nulliparous women and normal pregnancies (in vitro-fertilisation included)
• with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation,
• gestational age between 37+0 and 41+6,
• continuous contractions exceeding 18 hours impeding rest (women's report),
• a cervical dilation of less than four centimetres and intact membranes. Gestational age was confirmed by ultrasound in the first trimester.

Women had to be able to read, understand and speak Swedish.