Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on the Duration of Labor Induction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Induction of labor is one of the most common interventions practiced in modern obstetrics. In the developed World, the ability to induce labor has contributed to the reduction in maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. About 10 percent of pregnancies may be prolonged. In general, the longer the truly post-term fetus stays in the uterus, the greater the risk of a severely compromised fetus and newborn infant. Therefore of major importance in handling compromised postdate pregnancies is the use of a suitable method of labor induction. During pregnancy, large amounts of CRH are released from the placenta and fetal membranes. An increment in plasma CRH concentration occurs during spontaneous labor, with peak value at vaginal delivery.