Year: 2026 | Month: February | Volume: 16 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 184-192
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260222
Observational Study of Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Cases of Induction of Labor
Priyal Macwan1, Shreya Mehta2, Rohit Jain3
1Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Manav Hospital, B-9/10, Krishnaleela Society, Harni–Warasia Road, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
2Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Plot No. 1326/2, Sector 7D, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382007, India
3Associate Professor, GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382016, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Rohit Jain
ABSTRACT
Background: Induction of labor (IOL) is a frequently employed obstetric intervention performed when continuation of pregnancy poses a greater risk to the mother or fetus than delivery. With rising global induction rates, concerns persist regarding induction failure, increased caesarean section rates, and associated maternal and neonatal morbidity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There is limited region-specific data from tertiary care centers in India evaluating outcomes following labor induction.
Objectives : To study the indications, methods, and outcomes of induction of labor and to assess maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with induced labor. The study also aimed to identify factors influencing the success or failure of induction, with particular emphasis on the Modified Bishop score.
Methods: This institution-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at GMERS Medical College and Civil Hospital, Gandhinagar, over a period of 12 months. A total of 152 pregnant women with gestational age ≥37 weeks who underwent induction of labor for medical or obstetric indications were included. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, indications for induction, methods used, induction-to-delivery interval, mode of delivery, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: The incidence of induction of labor was 16.3%. Premature rupture of membranes (43.4%) was the most common indication, followed by post-dated pregnancy (25%) and pre-eclampsia (17.8%). Vaginal delivery was achieved in 65.8% of cases, while 34.3% required caesarean section, most commonly due to induction failure (50%). A Modified Bishop score ≤5 was significantly associated with higher caesarean rates (p<0.001). Postpartum hemorrhage (27.6%) was the most frequent maternal complication. Fetal distress (7.9%) and NICU admission (17.8%) were significantly higher among caesarean deliveries, though Apgar scores remained comparable.
Conclusion: Induction of labor is an effective obstetric intervention when appropriately indicated. However, failed induction is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. Careful patient selection, assessment of cervical favorability, and individualized induction protocols are essential to optimize outcomes.
Key words: Induction of Labor; Bishop Score; Cesarean Section; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Neonatal Outcomes