Does induction of labor at 41 weeks (early, mid or late) improve birth outcomes in low-risk pregnancy? A nationwide propensity score-matched study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study aimed to assess whether induction of labor at 41 weeks of gestation improved perinatal outcomes in a low-risk pregnancy compared with expectant management.

Material and methods

Registry-based national cohort study in The Netherlands. The study population comprised 239 971 low-risk singleton pregnancies from 2010 to 2019, with birth occurring from 41+0 to 42+0 weeks. We used propensity score matching to compare induction of labor in three 2-day groups to expectant management, and further conducted separate analyses by parity. The main outcome measures were stillbirth, perinatal mortality, 5-min Apgar <4 and <7, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions ≥24 h, and emergency cesarean section rate.

Results

Compared with expectant management, i

SUBMITTER: Ravelli ACJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10072249 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature