Study of the Risk Factors for Cesarean Delivery in Induced Labors at Term

Background

Induction of labor has become one of the most common interventions in obstetrics. Induction is indicated when the benefits to either mother or fetus outweigh those of continuing the pregnancy. Maternal complication rates that are increased in association with labor induction include cesarean delivery, chorioamnionitis, abruptio placentae, and uterine atony. So identifying those pregnancies that can be induced with low risk of cesarean delivery is important. The aim of this study was to identify those factors which influence the risk of emergency cesarean delivery in induced labors at term.

Methods

It is a case–control study conducted at Tertiary care center and affiliated hospitals. In this study, odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval is taken as a measure of relative risk. Patients were evaluated for risk factors for cesarean section using logistic regression. Cases include all women who were induced at term and delivered by emergency cesarean section. Controls include all women who were induced at term and delivered vaginally.

Results

The risk factors for cesarean delivery are advanced maternal age at delivery (≥35 years), high early pregnancy body mass index (≥30 kg/m²), nulliparity, low preinduction Bishops score (<5), gestational diabetes mellitus, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Conclusion

Women with multiple risk factors for cesarean can be taken up for elective cesarean section rather than inducing them at term.