Prediction of time until delivery and type of delivery through a comparison of bishop score, ultrasonographically measured cervical length and fetal fibronectin assay

The predictive value of Bishop score, ultrasonographically measured cervical length and fetal fibronectin assay were studied in 146 normal pregnant women at term to predict time and mode of delivery and risk of cesarean delivery. Results showed that the spontaneous onset of labour within 7 days was significantly associated with Bishop score >/= 6 [P=0.01], and with cervical length /= 50 ng/ml [p=0.31]. Both Bishop score >/= 6 and cervical length /= 50 ng/ml and with Bishop score >/= 6 [P=0.01] and that positive fetal fibronectin results at >/= 50 ng/ml and Bishop score are predictive for vaginal delivery rather than cesarean delivery especially if both tests >/= 6 are evaluated together in the same women [positive predictive values were 71.8%, 44.6% and 89.6% respectively]. Failure to detect fetal fibronectin at cervicovaginal discharge at term is predictive to cesarean delivery especially if Bishop score is < 0

Effect of maternal carbon dioxide inhalation on fetal breathing movements in term and pre-term labor

carbon dioxide inhalation is effective stimulant of breathing movements in the pregnant women before onset of labour. this study included 12 pregnant women at term and 28 in preterm labour. they were administered a gas mixture of 5% co[2] in oxygen. in both groups of term and true preterm labour, fetal breathing movements were markedly decreased and could not be induced by co[2] inhalation in term labour. in cases of suspected preterm labour, initial absence of fetal breathing movements and failure of its stimulation by co[2] inhalation predicted delivery within 48 hours in the majority of cases [82%]. in cases of false labour, markedly increases in breathing movements. so, it can be used to differentiate between true and false labour pain