Artificial rupture of membranes versus repeat intra-vaginal prostaglandins for induction of labour: a randomised controlled trial

INTERVENTION: Women randomised to the ARM (artificial rupture of membranes) arm are to undergo ARM using an amnihook as soon as is practical from 6 hours following a single dose of vaginal 2mg (multiparas) or 1mg (nulliparas) PGE2, regardless of the Modified Bishop’s score. CONDITION: induction of labour PRIMARY OUTCOME: Time from commencement of induction of labour until birth SECONDARY OUTCOME: Admission to Special Care or Intensive Care Nurseries Duration of admission Mode of birth Need for antibiotics in labour Post‐partum haemorrhage (= estimated blood loss >1000ml) Proportion of births occurring during “business hours” (0800‐1700) Use of epidural in labour INCLUSION CRITERIA: All women with live singleton pregnancies greater than or equal to 37+0 weeks planning induction of labour using intravaginal Dinoprostone (PGE2) will be suitable for inclusion in this study