Risk factors for labour induction and augmentation: a multicentre prospective cohort study in India.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Labor induction and augmentation guidelines emphasize maternal/fetal well-being and informed consent.
• Clinical and non-clinical factors influencing these procedures in India require comprehensive exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate clinical and non-clinical factors affecting labor induction and augmentation in an Indian population.
• To analyze the association between socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors with labor induction/augmentation.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 9305 pregnant women across 13 Indian hospitals.
• Data collected included self-reported socio-demographic, lifestyle, medical, and obstetric factors.
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between clinical and non-clinical factors and labor induction/augmentation.

Main Results:

• 42.3% of women experienced labor induction and 27.3% experienced augmentation.
• 34% of induced or augmented women lacked any clinical indication.
• Non-clinical factors (demographics, healthcare utilization, socio-economic status) were independently associated with induction/augmentation.

Conclusions:

• While clinical guidelines influence labor induction/augmentation, a significant proportion of women lack indications.
• Non-clinical factors play a crucial role in these decisions, warranting further research.
• Understanding these influences is vital for optimizing labor management and maternal care in India.