Active management of labour in primigravidae

Abstract

SummaryThe introduction of the active management of labour in an Irish population has been associated with a low incidence of operative delivery and a decreasing perinatal mortality rate. The basis of this management is, first, a formal and accurate diagnosis of labour and second, the early diagnosis of inefficient uterine action and treatment with oxytocin.We studied its application in a multiracial British population of 200 primigravidae. In the mothers actively managed, the incidence of caesarean section was reduced and the incidence of normal deliveries increased. These results indicate that the principles of active management are applicable to a multiracial population and can result in a decrease in the incidence of operative deliveries.