Selective labor induction in postterm patients. Observations and outcomes.
Six hundred twenty-nine postterm patients with reliable dates were evaluated for expectant management. Patients with medical or obstetric complications, a Bishop score greater than 6 or abnormal antepartum testing were ineligible for such management. The incidences of macrosomia, fetal distress necessitating cesarean section and low five-minute Apgar scores were similar in patients with labor induction as compared to those managed expectantly. The cesarean section rate was significantly lower in patients who underwent induction for a Bishop score greater than 6 as compared to those followed expectantly (15% vs. 28%). The lowest cesarean section rate was seen in patients with Bishop scores greater than 8 (5%) versus 15% in patients with Bishop scores of 6-8.
Shaw
K J
KJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Medearis
A L
AL
Horenstein
J
J
Walla
C A
CA
Paul
R H
RH
D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced; D011247:Pregnancy; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged