Perinatal Outcomes of Induction of Labour in Primigravida Women

Abstract

Background: Induction of labour is vital in preventing obstetrical complications; however, adverse prenatal outcomes are commonly reported.

Objective: To assess the effect of induction of labour on perinatal outcomes in primigravida women.

Patients and methods: A case-control study was conducted in the high-risk and labour room of the Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, from January 1 to June 30, 2025, on a sample of 100 primigravida women undergoing labour induction. Patients were divided into two study groups of pregnant women with adverse perinatal outcomes (n=50) and women without adverse perinatal outcomes (n=50). A validated questionnaire was used to collect patients’ sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as perinatal outcomes and maternal outcomes after delivery (including induction of labour). The collected data were analyzed, compared between the two groups, and interpreted.

Results: Common significant adverse perinatal outcomes of induction of labour among primigravida women were low APGAR score after 5 minutes, NICU admission, respiratory distress syndrome and meconium aspiration. Primigravida women with adverse perinatal outcomes were significantly younger, uneducated, had low numbers of antenatal care visits, shorter time between induction and delivery and underwent more cesarean section deliveries. Shorter labour duration, maternal complications and more extended hospital stay were predominant in primigravida women with adverse perinatal outcomes.

Conclusions: The induction of labour for primigravida women is associated with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes.