Elective induction of labor versus spontaneous labor in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord

With attention to increasing of the early hospitalization of women, induction of labor and its complications, the present study designed to compare the elective induction and spontaneous labor considering the mother and infant outcome. In a prospective and analytical study using of questionnaire and check list, 50 nulliparous women who were hospitalized for elective induction were compared with 50 nulliparous women with spontaneous labor in terms of Bishop score of cervix, duration of labor stages, number of vaginal examinations, intensity of uterine contractions, fetal distress, mode of delivery, Apgar score and birth weight of infants. The exclusion criteria were, multifetal pregnancy, abnormal presentation, premature rupture of membrane, preterm labor and placenta abruption. Data analyzed by t, Chi square and Pearson correlation tests. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of age, job and gestational age, mean of duration of labor stages, number of vaginal examinations, birth weight and Apgar score. In 98% of women with induced labor, Bishop score was <5. In this study group tetanic contractions, fetal distresses and cesarean sections were more than those of women with spontaneous labor (p<0.001). Elective induction of labor must be applied when there is a medical indication for termination of pregnancy. Onetime admission of women for delivery and change the women’s attitude towards the benefits of spontaneous labor and complications of elective induction are suggestive ways until they decide with knowledge and select these methods.