Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on the Duration of Labor Induction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Induction of labor is one of the most common interventions practiced in modern obstetrics. In the developed World, the ability to induce labor has contributed to the reduction in maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Aim of the work to establish whether Dexamethasone plays a role in shorting the duration interval between initiation of labor induction and beginning of true contraction of labor in post-term pregnancy, so shorting the duration of labor. Patients and Methods This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in the labor ward of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital on one hundred thirty five pregnant women with full term pregnancy divided into the following: Group I (Dexamethasone group) injected with 2 ml (8 mg) of the product (dexamethasone) 4 hours before initiation of labor induction and Group II (Control group) received 2 ml saline (as a placebo). Results There was a non-significant statistical difference between the two studied groups as regards the age, gestational age on admission, body mass index (BMI), Bishop Score, mode of delivery and Apgar score. There was a high significant statistical difference between the two studied groups as regards Induction- delivery interval, induction-contraction, contraction – delivery interval were shorter in cases of study than control. Conclusion From the above data we can conclude that the intravenous administration of dexamethasone appear to shorten labor duration.