National trends and racial differences in late preterm induction

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Health
• Perinatal Epidemiology

Background:

• Induction of labor is a common obstetric procedure.
• Late preterm induction (LPI) involves labor induction between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation.
• Understanding trends and racial disparities in LPI is crucial for equitable perinatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze temporal trends in late preterm induction (LPI) of labor in the United States.
• To investigate racial and ethnic differences in LPI rates and their changes over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Vital Statistics System (1991-2006).
• Identified women eligible for induction (34-42 weeks' gestation).
• Calculated annual LPI rates and employed logistic regression to assess changes stratified by maternal race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

• LPI rates increased from 0.46% to 1.37% over the 16-year study period.
• Black women exhibited the highest LPI rates annually.
• After adjustment, Black women had the highest odds of LPI (OR, 1.31) and the most rapid increase in odds.

Conclusions:

• Late preterm induction (LPI) rates have risen significantly in the United States.
• Racial disparities in LPI exist, with Black women experiencing persistently higher rates and the most rapid increase.
• Findings highlight the need to address racial inequities in labor induction practices.