Abstract :
Background: The present study assessed the maternal and foetal outcomes of both induced and
spontaneous labour in 39 to 41 weeks pregnant women. Material & Methods: A comparative study
was conducted among 200 women including 100 women in spontaneous labour group and 100 women in
induced labour group. Maternal and fetal outcomes like antenatal complications, duration of labour,
mode of delivery, indication for caesarean delivery, maternal complications, meconium staining of
liquor, birth weight, APGAR score and NICU admissions were studied. Results: Mean maternal age
was similar among both study groups. Majority of patients in both groups had gestational age between
39 to 40 weeks. Antenatal complications like PROM, oligohydroamnios etc. were more prevalent in
induced women. Caesarean section rate was significantly high among the induced group in both
nulliparous and multiparous women as compared to spontaneous labour group. Most common indication
of caesarean section was fetal distress in both groups. Birth weights of babies were similar in the study
groups. Induction was not found to affect meconium staining of liquor and APGAR score of babies and
NICU admission rates. Conclusion: Although induction of labour increases the odds of caesarean
section, it has no adverse effects on mother or baby. Hence induction of labour can be recommended as a
safe technique for pregnant women with delayed gestation.
Keyword :
Expectant management, Induction of labour, spontaneous labour, Maternal, Fetal