Elective Induction versus Spontaneous Labor at Term: A Prospective Study of Outcome and Complications

Background: This study aims at identifying the association between inductions of labor to caesarean delivery and other associated maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: The study subjects were divided into two groups, elective induction group and spontaneous labor group. They were matched for maternal age, parity and gestational age. Duration of first and second stage of labor, mode of delivery, if caesarean section, indication for caesarean section, maternal age, birth weight was analyzed. Maternal intrapartum and post-partum complications and fetal outcome were also analyzed. Results: Out of the 400 women in the study, 200 were induced and 200 were those who went into spontaneous labor. The rate of cesarean section rate among induced group is 35.5 % and was statistically significant. There was significant decrease in the duration of second stage of labor in the induced primipara group with p value of 0.036. There was no significant difference in the maternal and neonatal complications. Conclusions: This study concludes that elective induction pose an increased risk of cesarean section. Elective induction does not cause any increased risk to mother and fetus.