Factors Influencing Induction of Labor Success in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction. The physiological process by which the fetus and placenta are delivered from the uterus and pass through the vaginal canal for delivery is known as labor. Induction of labor involves deliberately initiating labor before it occurs naturally, using medical interventions or techniques to stimulate contractions and initiate the birthing process. Aim. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the success of labor induction procedures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to April 2023. Subject and Methods. This retrospective chart review was conducted at the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from the patient chart of those who underwent labor induction from January to April 2023. The collected data were tabulated and cleaned in MS Excel. Final data were transferred to SPSS for subsequent data analysis. Results. Five hundred and thirty‐one pregnant women were analyzed. 52.7% were aged 30 years or below. The most common indication of IOL was post‐dated pregnancy (26.2%). 62% were normal deliveries, indicative of IOL success, while 31.1% were cesarean deliveries, indicative of IOL failure. In univariate analysis, women with lower gravidity (≤3) and who had received Propess were associated with cesarean delivery. In a multivariate regression analysis, women who received Prostin and increased parity were identified as the significant independent predictors of IOL success. Conclusion. IOL’s success was dependent primarily on increasing parity and Prostin administration. However, lower gravidity (≤3) and Propess medication could lead to operative procedures among pregnant women. Hence, it is necessary to carefully assess the condition of pregnant women before directing them to IOL.