[Indications for induction of labour beyond full term (author's transl)]

Reported in this paper are diagnosis, therapy, and results in the context of suspicion of overdue pregnancy of cases recorded between 1974 and 1977. The presumed data of delivery rather than the calculated date is taken for reference. That approach has been taken against the background of a high-accuracy determination scale which, in turn, is based on complete case history data and current findings. The intention has been widest possible limitation of the probability of having deliveries overdue by 14 days. Such overdue deliveries were reduced to 240 in 13,172 pregnancies (1.82 per cent) by using this approach. In that context, an unambiguous differentiation was made between testing for possible labour onset and induction of labour, the latter being defined as strictly indicated obstetric action for the unlimited purpose of complete childbirth. Absence of possible labour onset, 14 days beyond term, was an indication for induction of labour in 188 women. Peripartal and real perinatal mortality (one malformation) was zero in 240 cases. Acidosis, but not in advanced stage, was recorded from five per cent of the newborns. The risk now can be more conveniently calculated. In other words, it is more systematically taken in unavoidable cases, an aspect meeting not only the demand on efficient obstetric action but legal requirements, as well.