Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Labor Induction in Parous Women in a Selected Hospital in Sudan

Induction of labor (IOL) initiates labor artificially, aiming to prevent potential risks for both mother and fetus. However, data on IOL outcomes for parous women in the developing countries are scarce.

This study evaluates maternal and neonatal outcomes in parous women undergoing IOL at a Sudanese hospital.

A descriptive cross-sectional study included 75 parous women undergoing IOL at Haj-Alsafi Teaching Hospital. Demographic data, reasons for IOL, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26, with P values < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Of 600 women, 75 (12.5%) underwent IOL over 6 months. Main indications were hypertensive disorders (21.3%) and postterm pregnancy (17.3%). Successful vaginal delivery (88%) predominated, with 12% requiring instrumental delivery. Maternal complications included postpartum hemorrhage (8%) and ruptured uterus (1.3%), while 69.7% had no complications. The neonatal survival rate was 91%, with 30.7% admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for further care. Among the NICU admissions, the mortality rate was 17.4%, all were preterm neonates.

IOL is associated with successful VD in 88% and low rate of complications among the parous women; however, greater efforts are needed to prevent serious outcomes among the neonates.