Elective induction of labor for obese pregnant women

When to INDuce for OverWeight? - a Randomised Controlled Trial (WINDOW)

Not applicable Interventional University of Aarhus · NCT04603859

This study is testing if starting labor early for obese pregnant women at 39 weeks can lead to fewer cesarean sections and complications compared to letting the pregnancy continue naturally.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1900 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Locations12 sites (Aarhus and 11 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04603859 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation is more beneficial than expectant management for obese pregnant women with a BMI of 30 or higher. It aims to determine if elective induction can reduce the rate of cesarean sections and associated complications compared to allowing the pregnancy to continue. The study will involve a randomized controlled design with 1900 participants across multiple Danish delivery wards. The primary focus is on the safety and outcomes of both approaches in a low-risk population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women with a pre- or early pregnancy BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with multiple pregnancies, previous cesarean sections, or specific fetal or maternal contraindications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved delivery outcomes and reduced cesarean section rates for obese pregnant women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, such as the ARRIVE trial, have shown that elective induction can be beneficial in low-risk pregnancies, suggesting potential success for this approach in obese women.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women with pre- or early pregnancy BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Legal or ethical considerations: maternal age \<18 years, language difficulties requiring an interpreter or translator
* Multiple pregnancy
* Previous caesarean section
* Uncertain gestational age, defined as gestational age determined by other measurements than the Crown-Rump length (CRL) Measurement
* Planned elective caesarean section at time of randomisation
* Fetal contraindications to IOL at time of randomisation: e.g. non-cephalic presentation, or other fetal conditions contraindicating vaginal delivery
* Fetal contraindications to expectant management at time of randomisation
* Maternal contraindications to IOL at time of randomisation: e.g. placenta previa/accreta, vasa previa
* Maternal contraindications to expectant management at time of randomisation: e.g. maternal medical conditions, ultrasonically diagnosed oligohydramnios (DVP\< 2 cm), signs of labour including pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM)

Where this trial is running

Aarhus and 11 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PregnancyObesityParturitionInduction of laborExpectant managementCesarean section
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.