American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Mar 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe effect of intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry, in the presence of a nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern, on operative delivery rates: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial (the FOREMOST trial).
The objective of the study was to compare operative delivery rates for nonreassuring fetal status between 2 groups of laboring women: those having conventional cardiotocograph monitoring and those having cardiotocograph monitoring plus fetal pulse oximetry. ⋯ The use of fetal pulse oximetry to augment fetal well-being assessment during labor resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the operative intervention for nonreassuring fetal status, compared with the use of conventional cardiotocograph monitoring alone. This reduction was achieved with no significant difference in neonatal outcomes.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Mar 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEarly versus late initiation of epidural analgesia in labor: does it increase the risk of cesarean section? A randomized trial.
To determine whether early initiation of epidural analgesia in nulliparous women affects the rate of cesarean sections and other obstetric outcome measures. ⋯ Initiation of epidural analgesia in early labor, following the first request for epidural, did not result in increased cesarean deliveries, instrumental vaginal deliveries, and other adverse effects; furthermore, it was associated with shorter duration of the first stage of labor and was clearly preferred by the women.