Continuous Versus Intermittent Oxytocin for Induction of Labor: A Randomized Study

This study evaluates continuous oxytocin versus intermittent oxytocin for induction of labor at term. Half of participants will be taken continuous oxytocin, while the other half will be taken intermittent oxytocin.

In the continuous oxytocin group, traditional treatment of oxytocin used at a starting dose of 1-2 mIU/min and the dose was increased by 2 mIU/min at every 15 minutes until regular contractions obtained at a rate of 3-5 contractions in a 10-minute period. The maximum dose of oxytocin was 40 mIU/min and oxytocin was administered until delivery. In the intermittent group, oxytocin was discontinued when cervical dilation was 5 cm and 2 hours after discontinuation oxytocin was reused at a starting dose of 1-2 mIU/min and was increased as the same protocol used for continuation oxytocin group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• singleton pregnancy,
• 37≤ weeks of gestational age ,
• vertex presentation,
• women with cervical dilation 3 cm
• no contraindication to vaginal delivery.

Exclusion Criteria:

• fetal malpresentation,
• multifetal pregnancy,
• more than three contractions in 10 minutes,
• contraindications to oxytocin,
• a category II or III fetal heart rate pattern,
• fetal anomaly,
• fetal demise
• women with immediate delivery indications