Spontaneous labour and elective induction--a prospective randomized study. Behavioural assessment and neurological examination in the newborn period.

The effect of induction of labour on the foetus and the newborn was investigated in a prospective randomized study. 41 neonates were studied after induction at full term by amniotomy and intravenous oxytocin infusion. The infusion rate was regulated by the intraamniotic pressure using the Cardiff infusion pump system. 39 neonates served as controls where the labour started spontaneously followed by amniotomy. In both groups foetal heart rate monitoring intraamniotic pressure recordings were performed. There were no differences in Apgar score and pH in cord blood between the groups. The newborns were evaluated the first and the fifth day of life with the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale and with a modified Prechtl neurological examination. There were no differences in behaviour and neurological state between the two groups. However, within the groups there were significant differences between the first and the fifth day concerning both neonatal behaviour and neurological state.