ELECTIVE AND ROUTINE INDUCTION OF LABOR - A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF274 CASES

A retrospective analysis of elective induction of labor at term and ro utine induction after 42 completed weeks' gestation was conducted to a ssess neonatal and maternal outcome in a low-risk obstetric population at a tertiary care facility. In 1989, 639 labor inductions were perfo rmed at the Christ Hospital and Medical Center Two hundred one inducti ons were performed between 37 and 416/7 weeks' (elective induction), w hile 73 were performed at 42 weeks' gestation and beyond (routine indu ction). Cervical status was ascertained on admission. Patients undergo ing routine induction had a longer second stage of labor as compared t o patients undergoing elective induction. Otherwise the duration of la bor and membrane rupture did not significantly differ between the two groups. Nulliparous patients with an unfavorable cervix who were induc ed electively had a trend toward a higher cesarean section rate than n ulliparas with an unfavorable cervix induced routinely. There was Mo d ifference between the elective and routine induction populations with respect to the incidence of fetal distress, neonatal outcome or matern al outcome. Respiratory distress syndrome was noted in three cases, al l secondary to meconium aspiration and all from the elective induction group. The incidence of birth weight greater than or equal to 4,000 g was equal in the elective and routine induction groups, and no birth weights less than or equal to 2,500 g were recorded. No cases of iatro genic prematurity were noted, either. When compared to routine inducti on after 42 weeks' gestation, there is no advantage to elective induct ion, especially in nulliparous patients with unfavorable cervixes.