Induction of Labor or Expectant Management at 41 Weeks' Gestation?

In a Dutch randomized trial, newborn and maternal outcomes were excellent with either approach.

To investigate the pregnancy outcomes associated with induction of labor at 41 weeks' gestation (IL) or expectant management with induction of labor at 42 weeks' gestation (EM), Dutch researchers invited >6000 eligible women at 40 weeks' gestation to participate, then randomized 1801 consenting women to either approach at 40 weeks 5 days to 41 weeks' gestation.

In general, newborn and maternal outcomes were highly favorable, although one between-group difference was the number of newborns with 5-minute Apgar scores <7 (IL, 11/900 [1.2%]; EM, 23/901 [2.6%]; relative risk, 0.48). Other pregnancy outcomes (fetal death, 5-minute Apgar score <4, NICU admission, and cesarean delivery) were comparable for IL and EM. Both groups had similar median g…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Induction of Labor or Expectant Management at 41 Weeks' Gestation?

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Reviewing Author