Identification of latent phase factors associated with active labor duration in low-risk nulliparous women with spontaneous contractions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study was to identify latent phase predictors of active labor duration.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Two delivery units in Sweden.


METHODS
Healthy nulliparous women with a normal pregnancy, spontaneous onset of active labor at term, and a cervical dilatation of 4 cm or more on admission to the delivery ward (n = 2,072).


METHODS
The women were asked to answer questions concerning their food and fluid intake, amount of rest and sleep during the preceding 24 hours and to assess their labor pain, sense of security and expectations of the childbirth on a visual analog scale (VAS). Duration and intervals of contractions, cervical dilatation, and position of the fetal head were noted by the midwife. A multiple regression analysis was performed with active labor duration as the outcome variable.


METHODS
Predictive factors of active labor duration.


RESULTS
Normal food intake during the preceding 24 hours was associated with short labor duration. A long latent phase, low levels of assessed labor pain and few hours of rest and sleep during the preceding 24 hours were significant independent predictors of extended active labor duration, when high birth weight, long contraction intervals, slight cervical dilatation, intact membranes within 2 hours of admission, high maternal age and malposition of the fetal head were controlled for.


CONCLUSIONS
New findings are that latent phase duration as well as food intake and the amount of rest and sleep during the preceding 24 hours are independent predictors of labor duration.
Dencker
Anna
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. anna.dencker@vgregion.se
Berg
Marie
M
Bergqvist
Liselotte
L
Lilja
Håkan
H
D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048949:Labor Pain; D007747:Labor Stage, First; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012146:Rest; D012890:Sleep; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors; D014590:Uterine Contraction