Overview
This is a prospective, randomized trial to determine whether the use of sonographic parameters during labor results in less intrapartum infection compared to traditional invasive examination. Other secondary outcomes include maternal satisfaction and overall birth outcomes.
Description
It is a prospective, randomized trial to determine whether the use of sonographic parameters during childbirth results in less intrapartum infection compared to traditional invasive examination. Intrapartum non-invasive ultrasound has been established and validated as a method of assessing labor progress. Guidelines from international societies recommend the use of ultrasound to monitor labor and support decision-making during delivery. Despite its reproducibility and reliability, there is no comprehensive work to date demonstrating the potential benefit in reducing clinical chorioamnionitis compared to traditional invasive vaginal examination. With this in mind, the investigators set out to analyze the clinical benefit of using ultrasound alone using established non-invasive, intrapartum, translabial parameters (Angle of Progression, Head Perineum Distance, Midline Angle, Cervix Dilatation) to monitor birth outcomes compared to traditional invasive vaginal examinations.
Primary Outcome is the incidence of clinical chorioamnionitis. Secondary Outcome measures include mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes such as neonatal admission.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant women of at least 18 years of age with a singleton in the cephalic position
- Spontaneous onset of labor; births after induction of labor with otherwise suitable inclusion and exclusion criteria are also permitted.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Emergency situations such as maternal or fetal bleeding
- Indication for urgent delivery by caesarean section
- Pathological cardiotocogram
- non-cephalic positions
- under 18 years of age
- women giving birth who are unable to give consent