The Impact of Labour Induction at 38-39 Weeks Period of Gestation versus Expectant Management in Low Risk Pregnancies

Authors: Pitty N*

DOI: 10.23880/whsj-16000179

Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

Background: The recommendations for induction of labour have been restricted to postdated pregnancies, though many studies have assessed the safety of elective induction at term. The aim of the current study was to assess the outcomes of elective induction of labour at 38-39 weeks period of gestation among low risk pregnancies. Methodology: This was a hospital based observational study, on 134 subjects assessed for fetal well-being and induced based on Bishop’s score. The labour and perinatal outcomes were compared between pregnant women subjected to elective induction of labour & expectant group. Results: Of the 67 subject in the electively induced group, 28.4% delivered by a caesarean section in comparison to 31.3% of the 67 subjects in the expectant group (p-0.143). The mode of delivery in either of the groups was independent of the method of induction & parity. The mean induction to delivery time, maternal outcomes and duration of hospital stay was similar in the 2 groups. Fetal outcomes analyzed by NICU admissions was similar in the 2 groups (p-0.635), though the admissions were significantly more in the electively induced group who underwent caesarean section (p-0.001). Conclusion: Induction of Labour at 38-39 weeks in low-risk women did not result in increase in caesarean section or composite adverse perinatal outcomes. Our data may help low-risk women and their clinicians make decisions regarding benefits of induction of labour at term in an institutional setting.

Keywords: Elective; Induction of Labour; Low risk; Perinatal Outcomes; Term pregnancy

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