Induction of labour in pregnancy complicated by cardiac disease.

Twenty one pregnant patients with cardiac disease had induction of labour for various obstetric reasons with a modified oxytocin infusion method. All of them went into labour and delivered within 20 hours. Twenty patients delivered vaginally. Three neonates had birth asphyxia (Apgar score < 7) and 1 of them died on the 4th day from prematurity. No adverse effect of oxytocin infusion on maternal cardiac status was observed and all of the women went home in good condition. Induction of labour with a modified oxytocin infusion is a safe and effective alternative for selected gravidas with cardiac disease where elective delivery is warranted.