Induction of labor in grand multiparous women and previous cesarean section: is it safe?
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcome of induced and spontaneous labor in grand multiparous women with one previous lower segment cesarean section, so that the safety of labor induction could be assessed.


METHODS
In 56 women labor was induced and their outcomes were compared with those of 177 women with spontaneous labor. All women were multiparous and had had one previous cesarean section.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the incidences of 1- and 5-min Apgar scores, congenital malformation, cesarean section rates and uterine scar dehiscence or uterine rupture. There were 4 cases of intrauterine fetal death in the induction group, but no case of intrapartum or early neonatal death in the 2 groups. In the study group, 80.4% of the women delivered vaginally compared with 84.3% in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
In this moderate-sized study, we may conclude that when there is no absolute indication for repeating cesarean section, induction of labor may be a safe option in these high-risk women.
Abu-Heija
Adel T
AT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal University, Al-Dammam, Saudi Arabia. abuheija@hotmail.com
Ali
Abdulhai Mohammada
AM
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D010120:Oxytocics; D015232:Dinoprostone