Lactate measurement
SHIGA, CAVITY, UTERUS
We measured lactate levels in both umbilical and maternal venous blood at the bedside using a hand-held Lactate Pro2 device (Arkray, Japan Shiga). Maternal blood lactate was measured at enrollment, at one hour after administration of study drug, and from the myometrium at cesarean section (this was the case in 90% of the participants). The myometrial sample was collected using a 2 ml syringe from the initial incision on the lower segment of the uterus before entry into the endometrial cavity. At birth, two samples were obtained from a doubly clamped segment of the umbilical cord.