Elective induction of labor in multiparous women. Does it increase the risk of cesarean section?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the medical initiation of labor places the multiparous woman at increased risk of cesarean section.


METHODS
This study was a retrospective, case-control assessment of the risk of cesarean section in multiparas with no medical or obstetric complications and vertex presentations whose induction of labor at term was judged to be elective by chart analysis. Case women were matched for age, parity, gestational age and staff obstetrician with controls in spontaneous labor, and the rates of cesarean delivery were compared.


RESULTS
Three hundred four case-control pairs were studied. No significant difference was observed in the rate of cesarean delivery between the two groups. The rate of cesarean section in the electively induced group was 3.6% versus 4.3% in the control group (P = .6670). Neither cervical state nor use of cervical ripening agents significantly affected the rate of cesarean delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
As compared with spontaneous labor, the elective induction of labor in multiparous women without complications does not predispose to cesarean delivery.
Heinberg
Eric M
EM
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ochsner Clinic, Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. eheinberg@hotmail.com
Wood
Robert A
RA
Chambers
Richard B
RB
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008145:Louisiana / Q000453:epidemiology; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors