Elective Induction of Nulliparous Labor

Primary outcome: to evaluate the effect of elective induction of labor (IOL), at 39 weeks gestation, on cesarean delivery rates in nulliparous women compared to expectant management (EM). Secondary outcomes: to evaluate differences in the mean number of clinic visits/antepartum tests avoided with IOL, to compare the differences in utilization of inpatient resources (mean duration of inpatient stay, mean duration of labor), and to evaluate the effect of IOL on the risk of urinary/anal incontinence and sexual dysfunction as analyzed using previously validated measurements. We will evaluate differences in the rate of cervical change once active labor is diagnosed, and the time from completion of active labor, defined as complete dilation and complete effacement, to the delivery of fetus (definition of second stage of active labor). Furthermore, other secondary outcomes to be evaluated include comparisons between IOL and EM in regards to the occurence of chorioamnionitis, stillbirth, operative vaginal delivery, and meconium stained amniotic fluid. An evaluation of the predictive value of cervical length and Bishop score for vaginal delivery will also be examined.