[Elective induction of labor in nulliparous women : should we stop ?]

In Wallonia, almost one fourth of cesarean sections are performed on nulliparous women with vertex nonanomalous singleton gestations who underwent induction of labor. The purpose of this study is to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes with elective induction of labor versus spontaneous onset of labor. Data for all deliveries at CHU de Liège over a two-year period were obtained. Women with vertex nonanomalous singleton gestations who delivered from 3900 to 40+6 weeks were selected. We tested the association of elective induction and operative vaginal delivery, cesarean section, post-partum hemorrhage, episiotomy and perineal lacerations, length of labor, length of stay, 1-min and 5-min APGAR inferior to 7 and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Length of stay was significantly longer in all induced women. In nulliparous women, there was a 45 % probability of operative vaginal delivery or cesarean section delivery in those who underwent elective induction of labor. In light of these results, it seems that our policy of elective induction of labor in nulliparous women is causing unnecessary and potentially avoidable interventions.