Contemporary Nursing Approaches in Induction of Labour

Abstract

Labour induction involves the stimulation of uterine contractions to produce delivery before the onset of spontaneous labour. This procedure has been commonly used since the synthesis of oxytocin (Pitocin) in the 1950s; labour is currently induced in about 13 percent of live births in the United States. Most labour inductions are for postdate pregnancy which occurs in about 10 percent of live births. Intrapartum nurses bear significant responsibility for assessing, supporting, documenting, and verbally communicating labour progress to birth attendants, families, and the women themselves. Contemporary research allows for a wider range of normal labour progress than in the past. Reduction in the rate of primary cesareans is needed to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Application of the contemporary evidence on induction of labour is an important aspect of the challenge being faced, to translate the evidence into practice.