Abstract:
Introduction: Induction of labour (IOL) is a relatively common procedure in the present obstetrics practice.
Decision is made by obstetricians when the extra uterine life is more favourable for the baby than intrauterine
environment. However there is evidence that IOLmay adversely affect both maternal and perinatal health.
Methods: A group of 75 mothers who underwent IOL was compared with an age-matched sample of same
number of mothers who underwent spontaneous onset of labour (SOL) at term at Teaching Hospital
Mahamodara. Data were collected from bed head tickets. Main maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared
using chi-square and t-tests.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the basic demographic characteristics of the two
groups. Mothers with IOL had significantly high rates of caesarean section (p=0.011) and prolonged hospital
stay (p<0.001) compared to SOLgroup. There were no statistically significant differences in the two groups with
regards to duration of labour (p=0.073), APGAR at 10 minutes (p=0.466) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
admissions (p=0.405).
Conclusions: Mothers who underwent elective IOLat term had increased rate of cesarean section and prolonged
hospital stay when compared to mothers who had SOL. The two groups were comparable with regards to adverse
perinatal and maternal outcomes.
