A close correlation has been described between lactate produced by the uterine unit and the level of lactate in amniotic fluid (AFL) . High levels of AFL are shown to be over-represented in dystocic deliveries compared to deliveries with a normal progress of labor [21–25]. A new, non-invasive method has been developed that makes it possible to detect the AFL level in a small sample of amniotic fluid collected from the vaginal pouch and analysed at the bedside in the delivery room. Levels of AFL can be measured immediately and an answer provided within 15 seconds [21–25].