OC13.03: Intrapartum ultrasound at the initiation of the active second stage of labour predicts spontaneous vaginal delivery in nulliparous women

Abstract

Oral communication abstracts Results: Of the 150 women enrolled, 76 were randomised to the US group and 74 to the control group. The median number of digital exams was significantly lower in the US group (5, range 2-11) than in the control group (8, range 2-18, p < 0.01). Likewise, the median number of digital exams per hour in the US group was significantly lower than in the control group (0.22 vs. 0.37, p < 0.01). Moreover, compared to the control group, the US group had a significantly lower incidence of intrapartum fever (9.2% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01) as well as a significantly lower incidence of chorioamnionitis (2.6% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.02). The groups did not differ significantly in induction rate, time from admission to delivery, mode of delivery, Apgar at 5 min and NICU admission. Conclusions: The use of TPUS during labour can reduce the number of digital exams and consequently also the incidence of intrapartum fever and chorioamnionitis. No adverse effects on labour progression, maternal or neonatal outcomes were noted. These encouraging results need validation in a larger scale study. OC13.03 Intrapartum ultrasound at the initiation of the active second stage of labour predicts spontaneous vaginal delivery in nulliparous women