: Randomised placebo controlled trial to compare maternal and fetal effects following discontinuation VERSUS continuation of oxytocin in active labour

Induction of labour is a common obstetric procedure. It aims at stimulating  labour using artificial methods with the aim to achieve delivery in women with complications

such as hypertension ,  diabetes  , fetal growth restriction etc. The most common pharmacological agent being used for this is oxytocin.

While oxytocin is safe and effective  in most cases, it may cause uterine  hyperstimulation leading to fetal distress and warranting LSCS. Women with prolonged use of oxytocin also may sometimes have complications like post partum haemorrhage or chorioamnionitis.

 The aim of the study is compare the maternal and fetal outcomes in two groups of women who undergo induction of labour when they are managed with two different labour protocols. In Group I ,  oxytocin will be  stopped once woman enters into active stage or when cervix is >5 cm dilated  .  Oxytocin will not be given till delivery unless the woman has slow progress in labour or fails to get regular uterine contractions

 In Group II,  Oxytocin will be continued till delivery . Vaginal examinations will be done every four hours or earlier if there are cases of fetal distress .The primary outcome

will be to compare LSCS rates in both groups. Our hypothesis is that there should be a decrease in LSCS rate by  10% in the intervention arm (Group 1) where oxytocin is being stopped iin active phase of induced labour.

Secondary maternal outcomes  will be to compare the duration of labour  along with rates of postpartum haemorrhage ; uterine hyperstimulation;  and chorioamnionitis. Neonatal outcomes will be to look at rates of fetal heart rate abnormalities as documented

on CTG (cardiotocograph); ; Apgar score at 5mins; need for Neonatal Intensive care (NICU) admission