Elective induction of labor in multiparous women. Does it increase the risk of cesarean section?

Objective: To determine whether the medical initiation of labor places the multiparous woman at increased risk of cesarean section.

Study Design: This study was a retrospective, case-control assessment of the risk of cesarean section in multiparas with no medical or obstetric complications and vertex presentations whose induction of labor at term was judged to be elective by chart analysis. Case women were matched for age, parity, gestational age and staff obstetrician with controls in spontaneous labor, and the rates of cesarean delivery were compared.

Results: Three hundred four case-control pairs were studied. No significant difference was observed in the rate of cesarean delivery between the two groups. The rate of cesarean section in the electively induced group was 3.6% versus 4.3% in the control group (P = .6670). Neither cervical state nor use of cervical ripening agents significantly affected the rate of cesarean delivery.

Conclusion: As compared with spontaneous labor, the elective induction of labor in multiparous women without complications does not predispose to cesarean delivery.