Is the operative delivery rate in low‐risk women dependent on the level of birth care? A randomised controlled trial

Please cite this paper as: Bernitz S, Rolland R, Blix E, Jacobsen M, Sjøborg K, Øian P. Is the operative delivery rate in low‐risk women dependent on the level of birth care? A randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2011;118:1357–1364. Objective To investigate possible differences in operative delivery rate among low‐risk women, randomised to an alongside midwifery‐led unit or to standard obstetric units within the same hospital. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Tromsø, Norway. Population A total of 1111 women assessed to be at low risk at onset of spontaneous labour. Methods Randomisation into one of three birth units: the special unit; the normal unit; or the midwife‐led unit. Main outcome measures Total operative delivery rate, augmentation, pain relief, postpartum haemorrhage, sphincter injuries and intrapartum transfer, Apgar score