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Induction of labor in twin pregnancy after 36 weeks does not increase maternal–fetal morbidity
Author(s) -
Harle T.,
Brun J.L.,
Leng J.J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/s0020-7292(02)00006-1
Subject(s) - medicine , obstetrics , apgar score , labor induction , pregnancy , gestation , neonatal intensive care unit , fetus , bishop score , gynecology , twin pregnancy , oxytocin , pediatrics , biology , genetics
Objective: To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancy patients without any fetal or maternal disease, managed by labor induction or expectant management after 36 weeks gestation. Methods: We conducted a case–control study of 81 patients: labor induction ( n =36) vs. expectant management ( n =45). Labor was induced using oxytocin ( n =18), vaginal prostaglandins ( n =6) or intrauterine balloon catheter ( n =12) according to the Bishop score. Maternal and perinatal outcome variables were compared among both groups. Results: The characteristics of the labor induction group and the expectant management group were not statistically different, except for the rate of nulliparae (55.6% vs. 33.3%) and the rate of epidural analgesia (100% vs. 80%). There was no significant difference in labor time (6.5±2.8 h vs. 6.0±3.6 h), cesarean section rate (8.3% vs. 13.3%) or duration of maternal hospitalization (7.3±2.0 days vs. 7.5±2.3 days) in the labor induction group and in the expectant management group, respectively. The birth weight was higher in the labor induction group than in the expectant management group (2639±352 g vs. 2463±298 g, P <0.001). The rate of Apgar score <7 at 5 min was 0% and 3.3%, respectively. Neonatal intensive care unit admission occurred in 30.5% and 26.6% of the groups, respectively. No perinatal death was reported. Conclusion: Induction of labor may be proposed to patients with uneventful twin pregnancy after 36 weeks gestation without increasing maternal–fetal morbidity.