Comparison between Induction of Labor and Expectant Management in Post-Date Pregnancy

Abstract
Background: Post-date pregnancy is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore post-date pregnancy is considered as a high-risk condition which requires specialist surveillance and induction of labor at some stage. The aim of this work is to evaluate if a policy of induction of labor at 41 GW is superior, in terms of neonatal and maternal outcomes, as compared to expectant management in healthy women with a low risk singleton pregnancy.
Aim of Study: The aim with this study is to evaluate if a policy of induction of labor at 41 GW is superior, in terms of neonatal and maternal outcomes, as compared to expectant management in healthy women with a low risk singleton pregnancy.
Patients and Methods: A prospective case control study A total number of 100 pregnant women will be included in the study divided into 2 groups: Group (1): Consists of 50 pregnant women who undergo induction of labor at 41 + 0 or 41 + 1 weeks. Group (2): Consists of 50 women who undergo expectant management await spontaneous onset of labor until 42 weeks.
Results: This study shows that Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) was significantly associated with expectant group as 14% of this group had it in their children while only 2% in the induction group, also shows that there are no significant difference between the two groups regarding other perinatal outcomes also shows that rate of CS was significantly associated with induction group 34% while the rate of CS in expectant group only 16%, also the rate of using analgesia was significantly associated with induction group 44% while only 22% in expectant group.
Conclusion: Labor induction at 41 completed weeks should be offered to low risk women. The message from this review is that such a policy is associated with fewer deaths although the absolute risk is small. However, this policy may increase the rate of CS or need of analgesia.