This article is part of the network’s archive of useful research information. This article is closed to new comments due to inactivity. We welcome new content which can be done by submitting an article for review or take part in discussions in an open topic or submit a blog post to take your discussions online.
The objective of this review is to assess the effects of a policy of labour induction at or beyond term compared with a policy of awaiting spontaneous labour or until an indication for birth induction of labour is identified) on pregnancy outcomes for infant and mother. A policy of labour induction at or beyond term compared with expectant management is associated with fewer perinatal deaths and fewer caesarean sections; but more operative vaginal births. NICU admissions were lower and fewer babies had low Apgar scores with induction. No important differences were seen for most of the other maternal and infant outcomes.
References
- ACOG.Managementoflate-termandposttermpregnancies practicebulletin146.Obstetrics and Gynecology 2014;124(2Pt1):390–6.
Davey MA, King J. Caesarean section following induction of labour in uncomplicated first births- a population-
based cross-sectional analysis of 42,950 births. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2016;16:92. DOI: 10.1186/
s12884-016-0869-0Heslehurst N, Vieira R, Hayes L, Crowe L, Jones D, Robalino S , et al. Maternal body mass index and post-
term birth: a systema tic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews 2017;18(3):293–308. DOI: 10.111/obr.12489