Non-hormonal methods for induction of labour.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Clinical Evidence Synthesis

Background:

• Labor induction rates have significantly increased since the 1990s.
• Induction of labor can be medically indicated or elective.
• Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods exist for labor induction, with optimal choices remaining unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on non-hormonal methods for labor induction.
• To assess the evidence supporting various non-hormonal labor induction techniques.
• Published literature from January 2012 to May 2013 was examined.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted.
• Eleven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and reviewed.
• Evidence for non-hormonal labor induction methods was synthesized.

Main Results:

• Foley balloon catheter is identified as a cost-effective and commonly used non-hormonal method, though further meta-analysis is recommended.
• Limited evidence currently supports the routine use of other non-hormonal methods like amniotomy, acupuncture, sexual intercourse, isosorbide mononitrate, hypnosis, castor oil, and breast stimulation.
• Recent studies suggest amniotomy may increase the need for oxytocin augmentation during labor induction.

Conclusions:

• Further research is required to establish robust evidence for many non-hormonal labor induction methods.
• The Foley balloon catheter is a widely accepted non-hormonal method supported by existing literature for labor induction.