Labor induction in indicated moderate to late preterm birth.

Introduction

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the success of labor induction for indicated moderate and late preterm birth. As secondary objectives, the mode of delivery was assessed.Material and methods: This is an observational study conducted in a tertiary care unit between 2013 and 2015. All patients who underwent labor induction for indicated preterm birth between 32+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation (as premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, fetomaternal alloimmunization, or intrahepatic cholestasis) were included. The main outcome was the success of labor induction defined by repeated uterine contractions associated with cervical dilation >3 cm. The secondary outcomes were mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes.

Results

Among 824 women who gave birth during the study period, 105 (12.7%) underwent induction of labor for indicated preterm birth. Labor induction was successful in 90.5% of cases (95/105), and 72.4% of the women (76/105) delivered vaginally. The success rate did not differ significantly in cases of moderate (32+0 to 33+6 weeks), compared with late (34+0 to 36+6 weeks) preterm birth (87.5 versus 90.7%, p = .56). The vaginal delivery rate was significantly lower in moderate compared to late preterm birth (37.5 versus 75.3%, p = .03).

Conclusion

The success of labor induction and consecutive vaginal delivery were high in case of moderate and late preterm birth. Labor induction can be considered as an effective option for medical indications.