When should pregnancies that extended beyond term be induced?*. (17th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bleicher, Inna; Vitner, Dana; Iofe, Adir; Sagi, Shlomi; Bader, David; Gonen, Ron
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 30:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 219
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2017-01-17
• Subjects: Induction of labor -- postterm -- post-date -- prolonged pregnancy; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2016.1169520
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with a policy for induction of labor at ≥ 41 versus at ≥42 weeks'. Study design : Retrospective cohort study of a 2 years' period before and after policy change from induction of labor at ≥ 42 gestational weeks' versus ≥41 gestational weeks. Results : During the 41-policy period (N = 968), the induction rate was higher, 60% versus 40% ( p < 0.0001) while the cesarean delivery (CD) rate was lower, 15% versus 19.4% ( p = 0.0135). Moreover, among women that were induced, the rate of CD was lower during the 41-policy period, 19% versus 27% ( p = 0.0067). No significant differences in maternal or neonatal outcomes were noted. There was one case of intrauterine fetal death at 41 + 4 weeks during the 42-policy period. Conclusion : As a policy for induction of labor at ≥ 41 reduces the rate of CD without any adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes, such a policy seems to be superior to a policy for induction at ≥ 42 weeks.