Labour outcome in primigravida who have crossed the alert and action lines on partogram

Abstract

Background: The partograph serves as an early warning system and it has shown to be effective in preventing prolonged labour in reducing operative interventions and improving the maternal and neonatal outcome. Aim: The current study was conducted to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in primigravidas crossing the alert line and action line on the partogram. Methods: A total of 200 inpatients admitted in obstetric wards satisfying the inclusion criteria were included after obtaining informed consent explaining them the details of the study in their native language. Patients were monitored for progress of labour, requirement for augmentation, any complications and were managed appropriately as per requirement. Results: It was noted that 24% of the mothers (48) were between 18 to 21 years. 19.50% of mothers were found to have PIH, 1% of mothers had IHCP, chorioamnionitis, HCV positive and also oligohydramnios, 4% were seen with IUGR and 0.5% were found to have GDM. Induced labour was common in patients crossing the alert line and post crossing action line. There was a significantly higher incidence of LSCS in mothers crossing alert line with P<0.001. Meconium aspiration syndrone was noted in 4, 2 neonates born to mothers crossing the alert line and crossing the action line respectively. Most of the newborns had normal birth weight that is around 80.43% and 78.95% to mothers crossing the alert line and action line respectively. Significantly higher number of neonates needed NICU admission in mothers crossing alert line and action line. Conclusion: It is prudent to monitor the labour on a partograph and avoid any delays for any intervention leading to a better maternal and neonatal outcome.