Mild pregnancy-induced hypertension at term

It was elected to induce labor in Mrs AB after excluding any evidence of severe preeclampsia. Both the fetus and Mrs AB were evaluated. The history, physical examination, and laboratory results were all within normal limits for Mrs AB. Her fetus was appropriately grown for gestational age with an estimated fetal weight of 3,200 g. There was ample but not excessive amniotic fluid noted clinically and by sonography. An amniocentesis to document fetal lung maturation was not done. Two hours after commencing parenteral magnesium sulfate therapy, an oxytocin induction of labor was begun. Fetal well-being was assessed using continuous external electronic monitoring of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. Three hours after the induction was started, the cervix was completely effaced and 3 cm dilated. The fetal head was at O station. At this time, the fetal membranes were ruptured and clear amniotic fluid was noted. An internal uterine pressure catheter was inserted, and a fetal scalp electrode applied. The patient received 75 mg of meperidine and 25 mg of promethazine intramuscularly at this time. Five hours after commencing the induction of labor, both mother and fetus were tolerating the labor well. The cervix was 7 cm dilated, and the fetal head was at +2/+5 station. The oxytocin induction was discontinued and another 75 mg dose of meperidine was administered. Blood pressure readings between 150/100 mm Hg and 140/98 mm Hg were recorded throughout labor. Urine output exceeded 150 mL/h. The patient delivered a 3,070-g male infant approximately 9 hours after the start of the induction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)