In low-risk nulliparous women, induction of labor at 39 weeks did not result in a significantly lower frequency of a composite adverse perinatal outcome, but did result is a significantly lower frequency of cesarean delivery (CD). This according to a recent study that compared the perinatal and maternal consequences of induction of labor at 39 weeks among this population. Researchers randomly assigned low-risk nulliparous women who were at 38 weeks 0 days to 38 weeks 6 days of gestation to labor induction at 39 weeks 0 days to 39 weeks 4 days or to expectant management. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal death or severe neonatal complications. The secondary outcome was CD. Among the findings:

• 3,062 women were assigned to labor induction; 3,044 were assigned to expectant management.
• The primary outcome occurred in 4.3% of neonates in the induction group and in 5.4% in the expectant-management group.
• Frequency of CD was significantly lower in the induction group.