The indication for induction of labor impacts the risk of cesarean delivery

Abstract

Objective: The risk of cesarean delivery following labor induction has been clearly established. While numerous factors are known to impact this risk, the indication for induction has rarely been examined as a risk factor. This study aimed to examine the relationship between indication for induction and ultimate mode of delivery after labor induction.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted examining all cases of labor induction in a tertiary center university teaching hospital over a one-year period. The primary outcome measure was mode of delivery (vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery) and its relationship to the indication for induction. Secondary outcome measures were: parity, maternal age, birth week, cervical maturity, use of epidural anesthesia, fetal birth weight and fetal sex.

Results: Seven hundred and ninety-six women met inclusion criteria, of which 17.1% ultimately underwent cesarean delivery. Using multivariate analysis, fetal indications for induction (including intra-uterine growth restriction, oligohydramnios, placental abruption, macrosomia and post-term pregnancy) were found to significantly increase the risk of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women. The other significant factor was birth after week 40 + 0.

Conclusions: The indication for labor induction impacts the risk of cesarean delivery. Specifically, induction of labor for fetal indications significantly increases the risk of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women.

Keywords: Cesarean delivery; indication for induction; induction of labor.