European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background:Induction of labour is artificial initiation of uterine contractions prior to
spontaneous onset leading to progressive dilatation and effacement of cervix. Induction
of labour process whether by administering foley bulb induction, stripping, oxytocin
(or) prostaglandin. Labour induction is indicated where the benefits of either the
mother or fetus outweighs the benefit of continuing pregnancy. Aims and Objective:
The aim of the study is to analyze the progression of labour and comparison of fetal and
maternal outcome between spontaneous and induced labour.
Materials and Methods: Present study is a prospective comparative study involving 200
participants divided into induction (study) and spontaneous (control) groups. Data was
collected on socio demographic factors, maternal complications and fetal outcome
.Those women who had spontaneous onset of labour and reached >4cm of cervix
dilatation were included in study group. Progress of labour is monitored by modified
WHO partographs. Women on induction reached >4cm dilatation of cervix were
included in control group. Informed consent taken from every participant in the study.
Results: In the study group, the mean duration of active phase in primigravida was
6.2hours and in multigravida was 3.7hours. In control group, the mean duration of
active phase in primigravida was 4.7hours and in multigravida was 2.5hours.In study
group, the duration of second stage in primigravida and multigravida was 46minutes
and 25minutes respectively whereas in control group, it is 40 minutes for primigravida
and 21 minutes for multigravida. Induced labour is associated with higher cesarean
section rates. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the most common indication for
cesarean section followed by failed induction.
Conclusion: The mean duration of active phase and second stage of labour is longer in
study group compared to control group. Neonatal outcome was similar in both groups
except for 1minute and 5-minute APGAR scores which were significantly higher in
spontaneous group. Augmentation of labour is frequently required in study group
rather than control group. Occurrence of maternal complications like PPH, fever,
vomiting and hyperstimulation of uterus showed no significant difference in both the
groups.