Pregnancy outcome following induction of labor with intravaginal misoprostol for decreased fetal movements at term

Abstract

Objective. To determine the outcome of labor induction with intravaginal misoprostol among women with perception of persistent decrease in fetal movements at term.

Method. The study group comprising 107 women who had induction of labor at term for primary complaint of decreased fetal movements (DFM) were compared with equal number of women who had induction for prolong pregnancy in a university teaching hospital.

Results. Caesarean section rate (39.3% vs. 22.4%, P < 0.001) and birthweight less than 2500 g (11.2% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the DFM group with the leading indication for caesarean delivery being nonreassuring fetal heart rate. Also, the incidence of 5-min Apgar score <7 were significantly lower among women in the DFM group. However, there was no difference in neonatal unit admission. There was no case of early neonatal death in both groups of women.

Conclusion. Intravaginal misoprostol for labor induction is a safe delivery option for women with perception of DFM with reassuring nonstress test. Since all cases with persistent decrease in fetal movements had reassuring nonstress test, the reduction in fetal movements was most likely due to altered perception.

Keywords:

• Decreased fetal movements
• misoprostol
• induction of labor
• nonstress test

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of the Consultants and Resident Doctors of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.