Labor induction rates are increasing worldwide, yet nulliparous patients remain at high risk of failed induction and intrapartum cesarean delivery as well as prolonged labor which are associated with increased maternal morbidity, adverse outcomes in future pregnancies, increased neonatal morbidity and negative childbirth experience. This study aims to evaluate whether macrophage activation biomarkers in cervicovaginal secretions can predict successful labor induction in low-risk nulliparous women at term with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score \<6).
The study focuses on three patented biomarkers of "imminence of delivery" (MCP1, CD14, and CD163), previously shown to be markedly elevated during spontaneous labor. We hypothesize that higher biomarker concentrations reflect biological readiness for labor and are associated with successful induction, defined as entry into the active phase of labor (cervical dilation ≥6 cm). Secondary objectives include evaluating the association between biomarker concentrations and labor progression. Identifying reliable predictive biomarkers could improve patient selection for induction and optimize obstetrical management in nulliparous women.