The association between the length of first stage of labor, mode of delivery, and perinatal outcomes in women undergoing induction of labor

In women who underwent induction of labor, even when a second stage of labor was reached, the risk for cesarean delivery and maternal morbidity remained increased when the length of the first stage was longer than 24 hours. However, in this clinical scenario, the frequency of cesarean delivery remains less than 50%. The decision for surgical intervention thus should not be based on the elapse of time alone.