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. 2022 Sep 16;2(4):100099.
doi: 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100099. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Induction of labor: reviewing the past to improve the future

Claire Marie McCarthy  1 , Sarah Meaney  2 , Michelle McCarthy  1 , Nicole Conners  3 , Noirin Russell  1
Affiliations

Induction of labor: reviewing the past to improve the future

Claire Marie McCarthy et al. AJOG Glob Rep. .

Abstract

Background: Women undergoing induction of labor should be empowered with accurate information.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of and indications for induction of labor and delivery outcomes to help inform practice and counseling.

Study design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all singleton pregnancies undergoing induction of labor over a 3-month period in a tertiary-level hospital in the Republic of Ireland. Data were obtained from paper and electronic registries. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on data collected.

Results: There were 1084 women delivered, with an induction rate of 46.0% (n=499). Primiparous women were more likely to be induced compared with multiparous women (51.4%; n=254/494 vs 41.5%; n=245/590; P<.001), and were more likely to be induced for postmaturity (30.7%; n=78/254 vs 23.6%; 58/245; P≤.001). More than half (50.3%; 251/399) were induced before 40 weeks' gestation, irrespective of parity. Multiparous women and those induced for maternal medical indications had a shorter overall time to delivery interval (21.7 hours [standard deviation, 13.0] vs 13.8 hours [standard deviation, 11.2]; P<.001 and 18.3 hours [standard deviation, 12.7] vs 14.7 hours [standard deviation, 12.4]; P<.01).

Conclusion: Information on induction of labor can aid in the guidance and education of women undergoing the process, educate clinicians for appropriate counseling, and facilitate shared decision-making.

Keywords: induction of labor; obstetrics; patient information; perinatal care; pregnancy.

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