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DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388178
Optimal starting time for induction of labour with misoprostol
Introduction: Nighttime deliveries may have a worse fetal outcome compared to daytime deliveries. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the induction-to-delivery interval using misoprostol for induction of labour and to define an optimal starting time in order to receive most deliveries during the day.
Materials and methods: A retrospective study collected data of 447 women being induced with misoprostol (vaginally every 6h) at term between 2007 and 2011. The induction-to-delivery interval was defined as the time from insertion of first misoprostol to time of delivery. The statistical distribution of the induction-to-delivery interval was applied to different starting points of first misoprostol insertion to evaluate which time results in the highest number of deliveries during daytime.
Results: Mean and median of the induction-to-delivery interval was 24.6h and 20.8h or 14.3h and 17.9h for primiparae (N = 287) or multiparae (N = 160), respectively. The highest percentage of deliveries at daytime was 63% for primiparae when delivery was induced at 8pm. For multiparae it was always > 60% when induction started between 10 pm and 6 am.
Conclusion: The optimal starting time to receive most deliveries during the day is 8pm for primiparae and after 10pm for multiparae. This management could easily be integrated in the daily practice of a delivery room.