Comparison between electve labour induction and spontaneous onset of labour in prolonged pregnancy

Abstract EN

Prolonged pregnancy is the most frequent reason for induction of labour as obstetricians are concerned about the risk of prolonged pregnancy on both fetus and mothers.

The study aimed to determine the effects and risks of labour induction on delivery outcome compared to spontaneous labour in pregnant women with prolonged pregnancy.

This is a prospective case control study done in Basra Maternity and Child Hospital between January 2007 and may 2008 included 200 pregnant women at 42 weeks of gestation who were compared to 200 age and parity matched pregnant women with spontaneous onset of labour at 42 weeks and information about management of labour, maternal and fetal risks and outcome were collected.

Our data revealed that the duration of first stage of labour, oxytocin use and rate of caesarean section were significantly increased in the induction group compared to the control group and that primigravidae with prolonged pregnancy who had induction of labour had increased rate of secondary interventions (caesarean section and vacuum extraction) compared to Primigravida in the control group.

Babies delivered for mothers who had spontaneous onset of labour had significant lower APGAR score than those babies delivered for mothers who had their labour induced for prolonged pregnancy.

In conclusion, Induction of labour for prolonged pregnancy is safe procedure but Primigravidae should be informed for the increase risks of caesarian section and vacuum extraction.