INDUCTION OF LABOR IN PREGNANCY COMPLICATED BY CARDIAC DISEASE

Twenty one pregnant patients with cardiac disease had induction of lab our for various obstetric reasons with a modified oxytocin infusion me thod. All of them went into labour and delivered within 20 hours. Twen ty patients delivered vaginally. Three neonates had birth asphyxia (Ap gar score < 7) and 1 of them died on the 4th day from prematurity. No adverse effect of oxytocin infusion on maternal cardiac status was obs erved and all of the women went home in good condition. Induction of l abour with a modified oxytocin infusion is a safe and effective altern ative for selected gravidas with cardiac disease where elective delive ry is warranted.