In an industrial hospital in India, a 23 per cent prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) was detected, of which 76 per cent were full term small for date (SFD) babies. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) comprised the single most common obstetrical problem associated with term SFD births (31 per cent). Age, parity, booking and socio-economic status were all found to contribute to LBW. Babies weighing between 2.25 and 2.5 kg did not show any significant difference in mortality and morbidity as compared to babies weighing more than 2.5 kg at birth. Despite the lower prevalence of LBW found in this study conducted in a fairly literate urban population, an attempt can be made to further decrease this figure.

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Objectives:To know the feasibility of safe activation and augmentation of labor with close monitoring leading to favorable fetomaternal outcome, as a day-care procedure using the daycare delivery (DCD) protocol. Materials and methods:Inclusion of a select subset of 304 primi women at term was done for labor activation and augmentation, in a closely monitored fashion, followed by assessment of outcomes and follow-up.Results: Almost 70% of the selected primi women delivered vaginally within the stipulated time of 12 to 15 hours and only 18% needed cesarean section. No perinatal mortality was observed.Conclusion: Day-care delivery may prove to be a suitable option to the parturient and her obstetrician ensuring quality labor and optimal perinatal outcome.