Analysis of Obstetric Outcomes by Hospital Location, Volume, and Teaching Status Associated With Non–Medically Indicated Induction of Labor at 39 Weeks

Key Points Question Do obstetric outcomes of nulliparous women with low-risk pregnancies managed with non–medically indicated induction of labor at 39 weeks’ gestation compared with expectant management differ among hospitals by location, obstetric volume, and teaching status? Findings In this cohort study including 455 044 births, the adjusted odds of cesarean birth among individuals undergoing induction of labor were significantly lower in all settings except for low-volume hospitals, in which there was no significant difference. In addition, there were lower rates of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes in all settings with induction of labor. Meaning The findings of this study suggest that non–medically indicated induction of labor may be associated with a lower rate of cesarean birth in a range of hospital settings.

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