University of Birmingham

Pregnancy outcomes in women who have undergone induction of labour: an electronic health record cohort study

This study investigates what happens to pregnant women and their babies when labour is induced. Induction of labour involves treatments to start labour, often due to overdue pregnancy (past 42 weeks) or slowed baby growth. Recent NHS advice recommends more inductions, as they seem to improve outcomes for women and babies. However, inductions increase hospital stays, adding pressure on maternity services.

We will analyse data from electronic health records (EHRs) of 20,000 pregnancies annually in West Midlands maternity services to compare outcomes in induced versus non-induced pregnancies. These EHRs, routinely collected by healthcare workers, include valuable data on pregnancy care, such as age, ethnicity, smoking, and weight.

By understanding the risks and benefits of induction, this study aims to improve care for pregnant women and support healthcare providers. Clearer guidance could reduce anxiety, avoid unnecessary treatments, and improve outcomes, enhancing the safety and experience of induction of labour.

The expected benefits of this project for patients and the NHS are significant. For patients, it could improve care by identifying the risks and benefits of induction of labour and providing clearer information about birth choices and outcomes. For the NHS, the findings could highlight capacity needs and bottlenecks, compare performance across trusts, and either provide reassurance or identify risks related to induction rates, helping guide service development during high-pressure times.

The study’s results could also support updated, evidence-based guidelines for managing induction of labour, promoting consistent, high-quality care across maternity services. By refining care pathways through data, the NHS can enhance maternal and fetal outcomes while maintaining a patient-centred approach. The public will benefit from improved safety, clarity, and efficiency in care, fostering greater trust in NHS maternity services.

04/11/2024

Maternity Badgernet Dataset (UHB), Maternity Badgernet Dataset (West Midlands) SDE027

West Midlands SDE trusted research environment

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