Comparative Study between Continuous Use of Oxytocin Infusion Throughout the Active Phase of Labor Versus its Discontinuation and its Effect on the Course of Labor

Objectives: To compare effects of continuation versus discontinuation of oxytocin through the active phase of labor on labor, fetus and mother.Study Design: 200 pregnant women were classified into 2 groups. In group (A) 100 patients received continuous oxytocin infusion throughout labor till delivery of baby. Group (B) included 100 patients in whom the oxytocin infusion was discontinued once the active phase of labor is established.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two study groups regarding induction to delivery interval (6.27±0.95 vs 7.7±1.09 respectively), active phase interval (3.01±0.67 vs 3.74±0.55, respectively), first stage interval (5.67±1.13 vs 6.85±1.011 respectively), second stage interval (36.2±9.86 vs 45.16±14.13 respectively), dose of analgesia (93.5±16.9 vs 58.54±19.04 respectively), the need for analgesia (100% vs 41% of patients respectively), meconium detection (29% vs 10% of patients respectively), non reassuring FHR (16% vs 6% of patients respectively), NICU admission (10% vs 4% of patients in respectively), and uterine hyperstimulation incidence (7% vs 0% of patients respectively).Also there was statistically significant difference between group (A) and group (B) as regards the mode of delivery as the percentage of CS delivery increased in group (A) compared to group (B) (17% vs 7% respectively).Conclusions: Continuing oxytocin has an advantage of shortening the stages of labor with poor patient tolerance and higher rate of CS.