Impact of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestational age on maternal and neonatal risk

Abstract

Objectives To compare elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestational age in uncomplicated pregnancies with expectant management of up to 41 weeks' gestation and induction of labor in undelivered mothers. Background Late-term and postterm pregnancies are associated with increased maternal and fetal risks, thus several studies have considered induction of labor between 39 and 41 weeks' gestational age. Patients and methods This study was a randomized case–control study on 194 pregnant women at 39 weeks for labor induction at Menoufia University Hospitals and Elsalam Specialized Hospital during the period between December 2020 and June 2022. Results In the present study, there was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001) increased Apgar score at 5 min in group A (interquartile range = 8–9) when compared with group B (interquartile range = 8–8) and statistically significant (P = 0.048) increased birth weight in group B when compared with group A. The cesarean section rate was statistically significant (P = 0.005) in group B (39.1%) than in group A (20.6%). Conclusion Labor induction at 39 weeks should be offered to low-risk women. That policy is associated with fewer cesarean section and other complications. If woman chooses spontaneous labor onset she should have regular fetal monitoring as several studies have suggested increased risk of perinatal death by increasing gestational age.