Elevated amniotic fluid lactate predicts labor disorders and cesarean delivery in nulliparous women at term

Objective We sought to assess amniotic fluid lactate (AFL) at diagnosis of spontaneous labor at term (≥37 weeks) as a predictor of labor disorders (dystocia) and cesarean delivery (CD). Study Design This was a single-institution, prospective cohort study of 905 singleton, cephalic, term (≥37 weeks) nulliparous women in spontaneous labor. A standard management of labor (active management of labor) including a standard oxytocin regimen up to a maximum dose of 30 mU/min was applied. AFL was measured using a point-of-care device (LMU061; ObsteCare, Stockholm, Sweden). Labor arrest in the first stage of labor was defined as the need for oxytocin when cervical dilatation was