Failure of Induction Labour in Pregnant Women in Khartoum State

Abstract

Background: Induction of labour is not without hazards for both mother and foetus. Failure of induction of labour leads to delivery by emergency caesarean section with its all complications. Methods: This prospective study was conducted to find the causes of failure of induction of labour in Khartoum state in four hospitals (Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Khartoum Hospital, Khartoum North Hospital and Police Hospital) in the period from 20.12.2002 to 20.8.2003. All patients planned for induction of labour data were collected in a pre-designed questionnaire. We concentrated on the cases of failed induction of labour, which delivered by caesarean section. Results: Three hundred fifty one cases of induction of labour were studied in the four hospitals out of them one hundred and two cases were delivered by emergency caesarean section. Failure rate is 29%. - The post-term pregnancy was the major indication (44%) for induction of labour. - One hundred and two cases were delivered by emergency caesarean section, due to failure of induction of labour, others delivered vaginally. - Failure rate is ( 29% ). - The post-term pregnancy was the major indication ( 44 % ) for induction of labour. - Hypertension and pre- eclapmsia ( 20 % ) . - Prelabour rupture of membranes ( 19.5 % ) . - Diabetes Mellitus ( 11.5 % ) . - Intrauterine growth restriction ( 5 % ) . The method used for induction of labour was oxytocin combined with amniotomy in 60 % of cases. Prostaglandin E2 vaginal pessary was the method used for 30 % of cases. Artificial Rupture of Membranes alone was the method used in 10 % of cases. Conclusion: Failure of induction of labour was mainly due to the unripe cervix and a previous caesarean section.