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.
Randomised controlled trial.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Tromsø, Norway.
A total of 1111 women assessed to be at low risk at onset of spontaneous labour.
Randomisation into one of three birth units: the special unit; the normal unit; or the midwife-led unit.
Total operative delivery rate, augmentation, pain relief, postpartum haemorrhage, sphincter injuries and intrapartum transfer, Apgar score