Comparison 3. Labour induction versus expectant management (status of cervix).

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Perinatal death	20	9960	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.33 [0.14, 0.78]
1.1 Favourable cervix	3	771	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.30 [0.01, 7.27]
1.2 Unfavourable cervix	7	4938	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.29 [0.07, 1.17]
1.3 Unknown/mixed state of cervix	10	4251	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.37 [0.12, 1.15]
2 Stillbirth	20	9960	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.33 [0.11, 0.96]
2.1 Favourable cervix	3	771	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.30 [0.01, 7.27]
2.2 Unfavourable cervix	7	4938	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.27 [0.05, 1.66]
2.3 Unknown/mixed state of cervix	10	4251	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.39 [0.09, 1.68]
3 Admission to neonatal intensive care unit	13	8531	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.88 [0.77, 1.01]
3.1 Favourable cervix	2	475	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	3.02 [0.12, 73.52]
3.2 Unfavourable cervix	5	4380	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.90 [0.77, 1.05]
3.3 Unknown/mixed state of cervix	6	3676	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.81 [0.59, 1.12]
4 Caesarean section	27	11738	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.92 [0.85, 0.99]
4.1 Favourable cervix	4	917	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.11 [0.76, 1.64]
4.2 Unfavourable cervix	9	5212	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.90 [0.82, 1.00]
4.3 Unknown/mixed state of cervix	14	5609	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.92 [0.81, 1.04]
5 Operative vaginal birth (forceps or ventouse)	18	9281	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.07 [0.99, 1.16]
5.1 Favourable cervix	3	655	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.87 [0.42, 1.82]
5.2 Unfavourable cervix	4	3650	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.06 [0.95, 1.18]
5.3 Unknown/mixed state of cervix	11	4976	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.09 [0.97, 1.24]
6 Perineal trauma	4	3028	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.09 [0.65, 1.83]
6.1 Unknown/mixed state of cervix	4	3028	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.09 [0.65, 1.83]