Ultrasound Measurement of Cervical Dilation in Labour: a Randomised Controlled Trial

Cervical dilation is regularly assessed in labour using clinical vaginal examinations periodically. This is generally deemed safe, but can be uncomfortable to patients and repeated digital vaginal examinations may potentially introduce ascending infection (chorioamnionitis). Recent studies show promise of transperineal ultrasound in labour to assess cervical dilation. In this international collaboration led by renowned colleagues, we will recruit patients in labour to have ultrasound assessment of cervical dilation or standard care (digital examinations) to compare the efficacy and safety of these two approaches.