Induction of Labor Versus Expectant Management of Large for Gestational Age/Macrosomic Babies at Term. A Multi-center Randomized Trial

Background: Macrosomia at term is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity, including a higher rate of shoulder dystocia and cesarean section (CS). Induction of labor (IOL) has been suggested as a means to prevent further fetal weight gain and therefore to reduce possible neonatal and maternal complications which are related to fetal weight.

Working hypothesis and aims: The aims of this study are: 1) to determine whether or not IOL improves maternal and neonatal outcome in large for gestational age babies, 2) to determine maternal satisfaction from the labor and delivery process in both study groups. Our working hypothesis is that IOL will reduce the shoulder dystocia and CS rate of LGA\macrosomic babies at term.

Methods: Patient from 38+0 - 40+3 gestational weeks estimated fetal weight 3800 - 4500 gr will prospectively and randomly allocated into two groups: IOL (group I) and expectant management (group II). Women with diabetes, a previous cesarean delivery, or other contraindications for vaginal delivery or candidates for IOL for other reasons will be excluded from the study. Outcome variables will include shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury, bone fractures, cephalhematoma, intraventricular hemorrhage, cesarean delivery and other neonatal and maternal variables.

Expected results: IOL will reduce the shoulder dystocia and CS rate of LGA\macrosomic babies at term.

Importance: This randomized, prospective multicenter study addresses a prevalent clinical question which does not have an accurate answer in the medical literature. Current guidelines rely on small numbered patients, and are over 15 years old studies.