Abstract

Objective: As conflicting data exist concerning the safety of induction of labor (IoL) in women with previous single lower segment cesarean section (CS), we aimed to assess pregnancy outcome following IoL in such patient population.

Methods: All singleton pregnancies with previous single CS which underwent IoL during 2008–2012 were included (study group). Their pregnancy outcome was compared to those pregnancies with previous single CS that admitted with spontaneous onset of labor (control group).

Results: Overall, 1898 pregnancies were eligible, of them, 259 underwent IoL, and 1639 were admitted with spontaneous onset of labor. Parity, gestational age at delivery and birthweight were similar. Women in the study group were more likely to undergo CS mainly due to labor dystocia (8.1 versus 3.7%, p < 0.01). The rate of CS due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate was similar. No difference was found in the rate of uterine rupture/dehiscence. Short-term neonatal outcome was similar between the groups. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, IoL was not independently associated with uterine rupture (OR 1.33, 95% C.I 0.46–3.84, p = 0.59).

Conclusion: Our data suggest that IoL in women with one previous low segment CS neither increases the risk of uterine rupture nor adversely affects immediate neonatal outcome.