Publication:

A study of maternal and perinatal outcome in induction of labour at 40 weeks and 41 weeks of gestation

Background To study and compare the maternal and perinatal outcome of induction of labour in pregnancies at 40 week and 41 week of gestation.

Methods 150 pregnant women who completed 40 weeks of pregnancy and were screened through exclusion and exclusion criteria .They were induced with intracervical PGE2 gel. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were determined and compared in 40 week group (40+0 – 40+6days) and 41week group (41+0–41+6 days).

Results Prolongation of pregnancy is observed frequently in nulliparous  women in both the groups (74% vs 62%).Caesarian rates were more in 41 week group compared to 40 week group (30% vs 12%, p=0.007). Maternal outcome in terms of PPH, perineal tears and sepsis are observed more in 41 week group though it was not statistically significant (p=0.493). Birth asphyxia, MAS and MSL are factors responsible for worse perinatal outcome in 41 week group that was statistically significant (p=0.009). Age and duration of labour showed no difference in both groups.

Conclusions Labour induction should be done at 40 weeks - it is reasonable option because it prevents a lot of maternal and perinatal complications.