Impact of Timing of Admission in Labour on Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: An Observational Study From a Tertiary Care Centre in India
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The timing of hospital admission in labour influences the course and outcomes of delivery. Early admission during the latent phase is often associated with increased interventions and caesarean section rates, while admission in the active phase is linked to shorter labours and improved outcomes. Objective: This study aims to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes between women admitted in the active phase (≥5 cm) and those admitted later in the second stage of labour. METHODS: This observational study included 172 women ≥37 weeks admitted in spontaneous labour at a tertiary care hospital in southern India. Data from case records were extracted on maternal demographics, stage of labour at admission, intrapartum interventions (artificial rupture of membranes, oxytocin augmentation), mode of delivery, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square/t-test were used, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Of 172 women, 93 (54.1%) were admitted in active labour and 79 (45.9%) in the second stage. Vaginal delivery occurred in 80.8%, and cesarean section in 13.3%. Caesarean section in active labour was most often for cephalopelvic disproportion (47.3%), whereas in the second stage it was predominantly for deep transverse arrest (75%). Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was required in 6.3% of neonates. Women admitted in active labour had lower augmentation rates, fewer interventions, and shorter labours when compared to women in second labour, but it was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Admission after confirmed onset of active labour (≥5 cm) is associated with reduced intrapartum interventions and lower operative delivery rates. Adopting this threshold in low-risk term pregnancies may optimise maternal and perinatal outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94534
Authors: Sneha M, Subasini S, Viruthigaa V
Institution: Chettinad Academy of Research and Education
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415143271