Intervention Rates after Elective Induction of Labor Compared to Labor with a Spontaneous Onset

INTRODUCTION: Elective induction of labor has become a widely used procedure in obstetrics. A number of studies have shown an increased incidence of operative deliveries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of interventions in our hospital, including operative delivery. METHODS: A matched cohort study in which labor of 122 electively induced women and 122 women with labor with a spontaneous onset were analyzed retrospectively. These women were matched for parity and gestational age. RESULTS: Pain relief, fetal scalp blood sampling and operative deliveries were recorded more frequently in the electively induced labor group. Cesarean delivery was found in 15% of women with induced labor, and in 1% of labors with a spontaneous onset (relative risk 18 (95% CI 2.4-132.7)). No differences were found in neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Elective induction of labor leads to increased intervention rates during labor. The rate of cesarean delivery is high, particular in nulliparous women and multiparous women without a previous vaginal birth.