Study on Effects of Dexamethasone and Misoprostol for Labor Induction in Pregnant Women at Term

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effect of dexamethasone on labour induction in women with term pregnancies. This randomized controlled trial includes pregnant women over 18 years old who are eligible for labour induction. The study aims to compare the time from the start of labour induction to the beginning of the active phase, as well as secondary outcomes like duration of active labour, second stage of labour, delivery methods, and fetal outcomes. Participants are randomly divided into three groups. Group A receives one intramuscular dose of dexamethasone sodium phosphate 8 mg 2 mL. Group B receives vaginal misoprostol 25 mcg tablets every 6 hours, up to 4 tablets within 24 hours. Group C receives both the IM dexamethasone dose and the vaginal misoprostol schedule. After dosing, a senior obstetrician reassesses participants 24 hours after the last dose to decide next steps if induction is unsuccessful. During the study, participants undergo detailed medical history and physical exams, including fetal well-being checks and cervical assessments. Researchers monitor labour progress hourly for up to 24 hours, document labour stages, delivery mode, and fetal condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Safety and fetal outcomes are recorded within 24 hours post-delivery. The total participation duration corresponds to the induction process and immediate delivery outcomes.

Effect of Dexamethasone on Labour Induction in Term Pregnancies