Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG190/04

Question

Education about the latent first stage of labour: Does enhanced education specifically about the latent first stage of labour increase the number of nulliparous women who wait until they are in established labour before attending the obstetric or midwifery unit (or calling the midwife to a home birth), compared with women who do not receive this education?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:
Studies show that antenatal education about labour and birth in general makes a difference to some birth outcomes, but there is limited evidence focusing on education about the latent first stage of labour specifically. The aim of this study (randomised controlled trial or prospective observational study) would be to compare 2 groups of women experiencing their first labour and birth: a group who receive an education session in late pregnancy covering what to expect in the latent first stage of labour and how to recognise the onset of established labour, and a group who have not received this focused education. Primary outcomes would be mode of birth, satisfaction with the birth experience and the woman's physical and emotional wellbeing after birth. Secondary outcomes would be use of pharmacological pain relief, use of oxytocin to augment labour, and time from first contact in confirmed established labour to birth.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Intrapartum care for healthy women and babies

Number

CG190

Date issued

December 2014

Other details