Oral Sodium Bicarbonate for the Prevention of Labour Dystocia

Those in the oral sodium bicarbonate intervention group will be encouraged to sip a solution of 1 imperial teaspoon (\~5g) of sodium bicarbonate dissolved into 250ml of water throughout labour with other drinks. If the first solution is fully consumed, a second solution will be prepared and offered. Thus, each participant can receive a maximum dose of 2 imperial teaspoons (\~10g) of sodium bicarbonate.