| Methods |
Random allocation based on a computer generated sequence. Concealment of allocation by consecutively numbered, sealed envelopes. |
| Participants |
Nulliparous women at 39 weeks of gestation. Low‐risk, cephalic presentation, single fetus. |
| Interventions |
Weekly sweeping of the membranes or weekly gentle cervical examination with Bishop scoring. |
| Outcomes |
Continuation of pregnancy beyond 41 weeks, not delivered within 1 week, requirement for labour induction by other methods, caesarean section, premature rupture of membranes, low Apgar score and low cord blood pH. |
| Notes |
|
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
