Augmentation of labour--mode of delivery related to cervimetric progress

This study was designed to investigate the possible benefits, in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcome, of a prolonged augmentation period with oxytocin in patients with dysfunctional first stage of labour. The majority of patients (65.5% of nulliparas and 83.8% of multiparas) responded with satisfactory progress within the first 4 hours of augmentation and the Caesarean section rate was low in this group (1.3%). In those with unsatisfactory progress during the first 4 hours of augmentation a further 4 hour period of augmentation resulted in vaginal delivery for 50.7% of nulliparas with primary dysfunctional labour and 33.3% of those with secondary arrest in labour. Corresponding figures for multiparas were 41.7% and 25.0%, respectively. The neonatal outcome was uniformly good. It is concluded that the management protocol presented for augmentation of labour seems to be a safe procedure and might reduce the rising Caesarean section rate for dystocia.