Impact of Suspending Elective Inductions of Labor on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: In July 2021, an academic institution suspended elective inductions of labor (eIOL) after 39 weeks. Our objective was to determine how this policy impacted cesarean delivery rate and time on labor and delivery.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of singleton, cephalic pregnancies delivering between 39 and 41 weeks, during the 6 months before and after the policy change.

Results: From January 20, 2021, to January 29, 2022, there were 386 eligible deliveries, 50.3% before and 49.7% after the policy change. There was no statistical reduction in total inductions after the policy change restricting eIOL (67.5% vs. 62.0%, P = 0.287). Time on labor and delivery was similar (20.8 ± 13.0 vs. 20.6 ± 11.7 h, P = 0.800). Cesarean delivery rates were unchanged (14.4% vs. 15.1%, P = 0.887).

Conclusions: Induction rates were not impacted by the policy. This suggests physicians found alternative non-elective reasons for induction. There were no significant differences in time spent on labor and delivery or cesarean delivery rate. The study was a convenience sample and not powered for definitive outcome differences.