Induction of labor in grand multiparous women with previous cesarean delivery: how safe is this?

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcome of induced and spontaneous labor in grand multiparous women with one previous lower segment cesarean section (CS), so that the safety of labor induction could be assessed.

Methods: In 102 women (study group), labor was induced and the outcome was compared with 280 women (control group) who went into spontaneous labor. All 382 women were grand multiparous and had one previous CS.

Results: There were no significant difference in oxytocin augmentation, CS, scar dehiscence, fetal birth weight or apgar scores between groups. There was one neonatal death, two still births, one early neonatal death and one congenital malformation in the study group and this was not significant. There was no significant difference in vaginal birth in the study (80.9%) and the control group (83.8%).

Conclusion: In this moderate-sized study, induction of labor may be a safe option in grand multiparous women, if there is no absolute induction for repeating CS.

• Adverse maternal or neonatal outcome
• placenta previa and accrete
• prostaglandin E2
• risk factors
• spontaneous labor

Declaration of interest

The manuscript has been read and approved by all the authors, that the requirements for authorship as stated earlier in this document have been met, and that each author believes that the manuscript represents honest work.

I certify that no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article exists, and the submitting/corresponding author signs for and accepts responsibility for realizing this material on behalf of any and all co-authors.