Effectiveness of castor oil and membrane sweeping in reducing active phase of labour duration and the need for formal induction of labour in Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: One of the most common obstetric treatments worldwide is labour induction. Numerous studies have suggested that castor oil and membrane sweeping can shorten the duration of the active phase of labour and eliminate the necessity for formal induction of labour. By comparing the two approaches, it will be possible to determine whether one is more efficient in reducing the duration of the active phase of labour and the requirement for formal induction of labour. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of castor oil, membrane sweeping and no intervention in reducing the active phase of labour duration and the need for formal induction of labour in Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria. Study Design: The study design was an open-label randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of castor oil, membrane sweeping, and no intervention in reducing the active phase of labour duration and the need for formal labour induction. Methodology: A total of 120 postdated pregnant women who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study by systematic sampling. They were grouped as follows; 40 parturient who received castor oil, 40 parturient who had membrane sweeping and 40 parturient who received no intervention. They were matched for gestational age and social status. The results were analysed using SPSS version 26 with appropriate tables and figures generated. Results: The membrane sweeping group had an early onset of labour compared to the other group (p = 0.025). Formal induction of labour was more in the group with no intervention compared to other groups (p = 0.07). The mean duration of the active phase of labour was not statistically significant (p = 0.389). Conclusion: Membrane sweeping of postdated pregnant women reduces the need for formal induction of labour as opposed to castor oil administration and no intervention but does not show any significant difference in the duration of an active phase of labour. Recommendation: More studies should be conducted to compare membrane sweeping, castor oil and other methods of cervical ripening in the management of postdated pregnancies.