Comparison of induced versus non-induced labor in post-term pregnancy. A randomized prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the proper management of pregnancy in uncomplicated cases going beyond 42 weeks.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial of induction of labor at or shortly after the 42-week limit, versus close monitoring without induction except when indicated for medical reasons.


METHODS
Hospital's obstetrical department


METHODS
188 pregnant women, randomly allocated to two groups with 94 in each.


METHODS
Induction of labor by stripping of membranes and i.v. oxytocin infusion, with artificial rupture of membranes when the cervical opening was 3 cm or more in diameter. The control group was followed with clinical, biochemical and electronic tests, intervention being applied according to needs.


METHODS
Frequency and modes of operative delivery, maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.


RESULTS
The distribution of gestational age (in weeks) at birth was almost identical in the two groups, but there were more operative deliveries in the control group than in the induction group (64 versus 48, p less than 0.05). Maternal complications and perinatal morbidity rates were equally distributed between the groups. There was one perinatal death in the induction group and two deaths among the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
With due reservation for small numbers, routine induction after term may result in fewer operative deliveries. No other advantage has been demonstrated when compared with close monitoring and intervention when medically indicated.
Bergsjø
P
P
Hubei Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
Huang
G D
GD
Yu
S Q
SQ
Gao
Z Z
ZZ
Bakketeig
L S
LS
D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic