FETAL OUTCOMES OF LABOUR INDUCTION AT 40 AND 41 WEEKS OF GESTATION.

JPUMHS;2024:14:04,94-99. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2024/14.04.565

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Labor induction is frequently carried out between weeks 40 and 41 of
pregnancy in order to enhance outcomes for both the mother and the fetus and to lower
perinatal problems. Objective of the study to assess the frequency of fetal outcome of labour
induction at 40 and 41 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross
sectional study was carried out from 1st of March 2023 to 31st July 2023 at DHQ Mardan. The
study comprised 188 pregnant women who had labor induction at 40 and 41 weeks of
gestation. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS version 26. RESULTS: The
mean age in this study was 30.52±6.54 years. Among these women 124 65.96 % were in their
40 gestational week while 64 34.04% were in their 41 gestational week. Number of
primigravida was 113 60.11% while multigravidas were 75 39.89%. C-section was
performed in 39 20.74% cases while 149 79.25% were vaginal deliveries. The results of
primary outcomes of the study showed significantly increased adverse fetal outcomes such as
admission in NICU 32.81 Vs 16.13%, p=0.008, meconium aspiration syndrome 26.56 Vs
14.52%, p=0.044, fetal distress 28.12 Vs 15.32%, p=0.05, macrosomia 18.75 Vs 8.06,
p=0.03, asphyxia 18.75 Vs 8.87, p=0.05 and still birth 6.25 Vs 0.80 % , p=0.027 in Group-B
compared to Group-A. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant increase in adverse fetal
outcomes between 41-42 weeks compared to between 40-41 weeks of gestation. Induction of
labour after 40 week is advisable for improved fetal health.