INDUCTION OF LABOUR FOLLOWING FETAL DEATH

Abstract

Summary Induction of labour by amniotomy has been used in the treatment of the retained dead fetus in 50 cases. The results have been compared with those in 41 cases in which the onset of labour was spontaneous, and 63 cases in which labour was induced with oxytocin over the same five‐year period. There was a slightly increased incidence of puerperal pyrexia in the amniotomy group compared to the oxytocin group but this was considered to be compensated for by the saving of patient and hospital time, and the prevention of any risk of coagulation disorder.