Elective induction of labour in the obstetrical practice.

Maternal and foetal results of 2020 elective inductions of labour are presented, compared with those of 2750 pregnancies in which labour was not induced during the 40th week of gestation, awaiting for its spontaneous onset. The morbidity, mortality, and the frequency of obstetric operations during labour were compared. In all the parameters compared, there were better results in the electively induced group. The author attributed this difference to the establishment of careful selection criteria for elective induction. These criteria are: reliable estimate of gestational age, mature foetus over 3000 g of body weight, ripe cervix, proven myometrial sensitivity to oxytocin. Following these rules, the elective induction of labour can be a valuable and safe method of prevention of maternal and foetal complications.