Publication:

Study of comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes in spontaneous labour and induced labour

Background There has been consistent proportionate increase in the cases of induction of labor, but both maternal and neonatal effects of it remain poorly analysed previously. The present study was undertaken with the objective of comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes between groups of patients undergoing induction of labor and those having spontaneous labor.

Methods In this comparative prevalence study, the participants selected by predefined criteria were divided into 2 groups on the basis of progression of labor. They were spontaneous labor (group A) and induction of labor (group B). All the participants were assessed for various relevant maternal and neonatal outcomes and valid comparisons drawn.

Results A total of 1300 participants were studied. Proportion of patients requiring caesarean section was significantly higher in induction group (39.17%) against the spontaneous labor group (15.37%), with fetal distress being the commonest indication in both groups. The commonest complication noted was postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (2.96% in group A and 1.98% in group B, p 0.05). Incidences of NICU admissions and neonatal deaths were significantly higher in induction of labor group.

Conclusions Induction of labor should be employed judiciously by assessing the maternal and fetal condition and confirming relevant indication and should only be done if continuation of pregnancy is relatively more hazardous to either mother or baby.