Induction of labour for suspected macrosomia at term in non-diabetic women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared induction of labour with expectant management in non-diabetic women with suspected fetal macrosomia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of labour induction for suspected fetal macrosomia. SEARCH STRATEGY: Literature search in electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all RCTs of suspected fetal macrosomia comparing labour induction with expectant management in term pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the incidence of caesarean delivery. MAIN RESULTS: Four RCTs, including 1190 non-diabetic women with suspected fetal macrosomia at term, were analysed. Pooled data did not show a significant difference in incidence of caesarean delivery [relative risk (RR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-1.09], operative and spontaneous vaginal delivery, shoulder dystocia, intracranial haemorrhage, brachial plexus palsy, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, cord blood pH <7, and mean birth weight comparing women who received induction of labour with those who were managed expectantly. The induction group had a significantly lower time to delivery (mean difference -7.55 days, 95% CI -8.20 to -6.89), lower rate of birth weight ≥4000 g (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.42-0.59) and ≥4500 g (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11-0.39), and lower incidence of fetal fractures (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03-0.79) compared with expectant management group. CONCLUSION: Induction of labour ≥38 weeks for suspected fetal macrosomia is associated with a significant decrease in fetal fractures, and therefore can be considered as a reasonable option