Patterns And Obstetric Outcomes of Induction of Labour in a Public District Hospital in Abuja, Northcentral Nigeria: A Five-Year Review

Induced labours and obstetric outcomes in a district hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Patterns and Obstetric Outcomes of Induction of Labour in a public District Hospital in Abuja, Northcentral Nigeria: A Five-Year Review

Background: Induction of labour (IOL) is a common obstetric practice in most maternity units. The decision to induce labour is most often made where continuation of the pregnancy is not beneficial and may pose risks to the foetus or the mother. When successful, IOL obviates the need for emergency caesarean section with its attendant complications. IOL is not without risks and maybe associated with both maternal and perinatal complications. The aim of the study was to determine the patterns and obstetric outcomes of induced labours in a public district hospital in Abuja, Nigeria.

Method: This was a retrospective study conducted in Maitama District Hospital Abuja, Northcentral Nigeria, over a five-year period from January 1^st 2018 to December 31^st 2022. Data on parturients who had induction of labour during this period was extracted from the medical records of the hospital and analysed using SPSS for windows version 26.

Results: There was a total of 4,534 deliveries and 131 induced labours within the study period giving an induction rate of 2.9%. Post-date pregnancy was the commonest indication for induction accounting for 79.4%. Nullipara (Para 0) accounted for the commonest parity (68.7%) but with the lowest vaginal delivery rate (23.3%). Successful IOL was recorded in 40.5% while 58.8% had failed induction resulting in emergency CS with cephalopelvic disproportion (74.0%) as the commonest reason for the CS. The commonest method of induction was foley catheter with amniotomy and oxytocin titration (86.3%). Foetal outcome was favourable in 79.4% cases. Eight neonates (6.1%) had moderate to severe birth asphyxia that required NICU admission, with three neonatal deaths. Primary PPH was the commonest maternal complications.

Conclusion: Careful selection of patients for induction and adequate intrapartum monitoring of induced labours are recommended, taking into consideration available resources.

Key words: induction of labour, obstetric outcome, district hospital, Abuja