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Is Elective Induction Safe? A Prospective Analysis

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Abstract

Objectives

To identify whether electively induced labor places the mother or her fetus at an increased risk as compared to her spontaneous labor cohort. To quantify the risk of cesarean section in the induced group.

Methods

A prospective analysis comparing 200 electively induced parturients with 200 matched controls who labored spontaneously, in 1 year from April 2007 to April 2008. The parturients were between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation and had no complications necessitating induction.

Results

Induction per se was not associated with a statistically significant increase in cesarean section rates. Only when associated with nulliparity, low bishop score, and birth weight >3.5 kg, the risk of cesarean increases.

Conclusion

Elective induction does not appear to pose an increased risk to the mother or her fetus in a carefully selected patient population. However, when associated with risk factors the cesarean rate increases. Hence informed consent should be taken before induction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India

    Vidya Ramasamy (Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist), Suchitra Thunga & S. R. Nayak

  2. Sree Ganapathy Nursing Home, # 140-142, Kangayam Cross Road, Tirupur, 641 604, Tamilnadu, India

    Vidya Ramasamy (Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist)

Authors
  1. Vidya Ramasamy
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  2. Suchitra Thunga
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  3. S. R. Nayak
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vidya Ramasamy.

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Ramasamy, V., Thunga, S. & Nayak, S.R. Is Elective Induction Safe? A Prospective Analysis. J Obstet Gynecol India 61, 667–669 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-011-0109-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-011-0109-5

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