Table 2.

Inclusion criteria.

Group	A (n = 41)	B (n = 49)	C (n = 48)
Week of gestation	22–36	22–36	37–41
Signs & symptoms	Uterine contractions of the frequency ≥4 per 60 minutes, documented in CTG record.	Absence of uterine contractions, documented in CTG records.	Absence of uterine contractions, documented in CTG records.
	Bishop score ≥4
	Cervix length ≤25 mm documented in ultrasound scans.	Rupture of fetal membranes confirmed with one of the following:  (i) vaginal discharge pH ≥7,   (ii) positive result of Amni Sure test,   (iii) positive result of Amni Prom test.	Rupture of fetal membranes confirmed with one of the following:  (i) vaginal discharge pH ≥7, (ii) positive result of Amni Sure test,  (iii) positive result of Amni Prom test.