Lack of utility of standard labor curves in the prediction of progression during labor induction

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether patients undergoing labor induction can be reliably evaluated by means of standard labor assessment curves. Study Design: In this retrospective chart review of 123 patients who underwent cervical ripening and induction of labor, Friedman's standard labor curves were used for comparison. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test. Results: Nulliparous and parous patients undergoing cervical ripening spent more time in active-phase labor than standard expectations of labor progression would indicate (12.7 ± 7.8 vs 5.9 ± 3.4 hours for nulliparous women, P