Induction of labor: reviewing the past to improve the future.

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; <.001), and were more likely to be induced for postmaturity (30.7%; n=78/254 vs 23.6%; 58/245; ≤.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]; <.001 and 18.3 hours [standard deviation, 12.7] vs 14.7 hours [standard deviation, 12.4]; <.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.