Prerequisites For Labour Induction
- Maternal      
 - short anterior cervix with open os (ìinducible" or ìripeî)
- if cervix is not ripe, use prostaglandin (PG) gel (see below)
 
- fetal      
 - adequate fetal monitoring available
- cephalic presentation
- good fetal health
 
- Maternal factors      
 - pregnancy-induced hypertension
- maternal medical problems, e.g. diabetes, renal or lung disease
 
- Maternal-fetal factors      
 - Rh isoimmunization
- PROM
- chorioamnionitis
- post-term pregnancy
 
- Fetal factors      
 - suspected fetal jeopardy as evidenced by biochemical or biophysical indications
- fetal demise
 
- maternal      
 - prior classical incision or complete transection of the uterus
- unstable maternal condition
- gross CPD
- active maternal genital herpes
 
- maternal-fetal      
 - placenta or vasa previa
 
- fetal      
 - distress
- malpresentation
 
Cervical Ripening Principles
- PG synthesized by cervical cells and in amniotic fluid to facilitate labour onset and progression
- PG gel used to augment slow or arrested cervical dilatation or effacement
- intracervical dinoprostone (Prepidil) when cervix long and closed and no ROM
- vaginal when cervix favorable, may use with ROM
- use associated with reduced rate of C/S, instrumental vaginal delivery, and failed induction
- risks include hyperstimulation and fetal heart rate abnormalities
- obtain reactive NST prior to administration
- Foley catheter may be used to mechanically dilate the cervix
- oxytocin 2 mU/minute IV, increasing by 1-2 mU/minute every 20-30 minutes to a maximum of 36-48 mU/minute
- potential complications
- hyperstimulation/tetanic contraction (may cause fetal distress or rupture of uterus)
- uterine muscle fatigue, uterine atony (may result in PPH)
- vasopressin-like action causing anti-diuresis
- PGF-2 alpha used for intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD)
Surgical
artificial rupture of membranes (amniotomy) - may try this as initial measure
AUGMENTATION OF LABOUR
- Augmentation of labour is used to promote adequate contractions when spontaneous contractions are inadequate and cervical dilatation or descent of fetus fails to occur
- Oxytocin @ 2 mU/minute IV, increased by 1-2 mU/minute q 20-30 minutes to a maximum of 36-48 mU/minute
- Half-life of oxytocin is ~2 minutes (thus need continuous drip because effects wear off fast)
EmoticonEmoticon