Induction of labor on request in a resource-poor setting.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and reasons for induction of labor on maternal request in a setting where aversion to induction of labor is the norm.

Method: Women undergoing induction of labor on maternal request at three maternity centers in Enugu, Nigeria were interviewed by means of pre-tested self-administered questionnaires. The outcomes of labor in these women were also compared with those of a control group consisting of women who had induction of labor for medical reasons.

Results: The prevalence of induction of labor on maternal request was 7.4%. Maternal convenience was the commonest reason for request induction. The outcomes of labor were similar between the subjects and their controls.

Conclusion: Nigerian women are beginning to request induction of labor without medical indications and have comparable outcomes with those who have medical indications. There is need for appropriate regulatory guidelines.