Context

Although amniotomy is one of the most commonly practiced procedures in obstetrics, there is still some controversy about its effectiveness and safety. This study by Smyth and colleagues has provided a review of the role of amniotomy alone for routinely shortening labours that start spontaneously, as well as those labours that have started spontaneously but become prolonged. Given the increase in caesarean deliveries around the world and the growing demand of women for less medical intervention in normal labour, the question of optimal labour management remains a topic of great interest.