Routine induction of labour by amniotomy and simultaneous Syntocinon (synthetic oxytocin) infusion

Of 2,272 deliveries between 1 October, 1967 and 31 December, 1968 290 were induced by simultaneous intravenous Syntocinon (synthetic oxytocin) at amniotomy. The hazards of induction of labour are greatly reduced when this method is used routinely. Only 4 of the 13 caesarean sections were thought to be due to failure of method. Within 12 hours 221 patients were delivered, and this short induction-delivery interval resulted in an extremely low maternal and fetal morbidity. It is believed that with proper safeguards and in the light of present knowledge this is the method of choice.