The effect of fetal sex on the outcome of labour induction

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fetal sex on the process and the outcome of induction of labour. This was a retrospective study of 658 women carrying singleton cephalic pregnancies induced at 37–42 completed weeks' gestation. Male fetuses demonstrated significantly more CTG abnormalities and need for fetal blood sampling. Male infants were also more likely to be delivered by emergency caesarean section. The total admission rate to the neonatal unit was higher among male babies. Male infants do not tolerate induction of labour as well as females. Fetal sex can be used as a predictive factor of the outcome in cases of induced labour.

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