Abstract

Background:Delayed labour progress is common in nulliparous women, often leading to
caesarean section despite augmentation of labour with synthetic oxytocin. Background:
High- or low-dose oxytocin can be used for augmentation of delayed labour, but
evidence for promoting high dose is weak. Dystocia is the leading indication for primary
caesarean section. Augmentation of labour with oxytocin is a frequent intervention in
modern obstetric practice. Oxytocin has been demonstrated to increase the frequency
and intensity of uterine contractions when spontaneous uterine contraction is
inadequate and the progress of labour is slow. Oxytocin protocols can be categorized as
high-dose or low-dose protocols depending on the initial dose and the amount and rate
of sequential increases. Despite the frequency with which oxytocin is used in clinical
practice, there is little consensus regarding the optimal dose of oxytocin for labour
augmentation. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of high and low dose
oxytocin on augmentation of labour and to study maternal and fetal morbidity and
mortality.