Perinatal deaths: analysis by clinical cause to assess value of induction of labour

Over the 10 years 1966-75 the rate of induction of labour in the Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital has increased from 16-3% of all births. During the same period perinatal mortality fell from 33 to 22 per 1000, mainly because of significantly fewer deaths due to antepartum haemorrhage; trauma; maternal diseases; and unknown causes in mature babies. The reduction in the number of deaths of unknown causes in mature fetuses was achieved by preventing deaths occurring after 40 weeks and was recorded in all age and parity groups. The results suggested that increased use of induction of labour has contributed to the improved perinatal mortality rate.