Prospective cohort study of induction of labor: Indications, outcome and postpartum hemorrhage

This study was undertaken because of the increasing rate of induction of labor (IOL) in our hospital and its associated higher caesarean section (CS) rates. The objective was to ascertain the incidence, indications, methods, outcome, and complications of IOL, in particular postpartum hemorrhage.

This was a prospective observational cohort study of women who underwent IOL in a medium-sized district general hospital. Blood loss was measured by the gravimetric method and correlated to postpartum hemoglobin level within 48 hours of birth.

A total of 445 women needed IOL (incidence 33%). Common indications were: small for gestational age (SGA) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) (18%), spontaneous rupture of membrane (17%), reduced fetal movement (16%), prolonged pregnancy (15%), and diabetes (13%). In all, 67% women achieved spontaneous vaginal delivery and 18% underwent caesarean section. With regard to blood loss, 62 women (14%) had postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) of >1000 mL and 22 women (4.9%) had a blood loss >1500 mL. The caesarean section rate was higher than the overall emergency caesarean section rate in that year. Incidence of PPH in this cohort was higher than the normal incidence.

Increasing trend of induction of labor (IOL) is due to the changing clinical policy on management of small for gestational age babies, spontaneous rupture of membrane, reduced fetal movement and other complications of pregnancy. There is conflicting evidence on the effect of IOL on caesarean section rates. IOL is a risk factor for PPH. Accurate measurement of blood loss is essential in detecting a fall in hemoglobin which in turn helps in the appropriate management of PPH.