Effect of Intramuscular Administration of Dexamethasone on Shortening of the Duration of Induction of Labor by oxytocin

Abstract

Induction of labor refers to iatrogenic stimulation of uterine contractions to accomplish delivery prior to the onset of spontaneous labor. Induction of labor is undertaken when both of the following criteria are met: Continuing the pregnancy is believed to be associated with greater maternal or fetal risk than intervention to deliver the pregnancy, and there is no contraindication to vaginal birth. Glucocorticoids are now known to play key roles in fetal maturation for example in maturation of the lung in anticipation of extrauterine life. Also, glucocorticoids induce the production of CRH by the placenta and the production of prostaglandins (PGF2 and PGE2) by the fetal membrane in humans. Therefore, glucocorticoids also play an important role in human parturition. In this study 72 termed pregnant women were included and divided into two groups, Dexamethasone group: injected with 2 ml of the product (dexamethasone®) 12 hours before initiation of labor induction and placebo group: injected with 2 ml distilled water 6 hours before initiation of labor induction. The two groups were induced by the same standard protocol.