Outcome of labour monitored by W.H.O. modified partograph and latent phase partograph

Background: Partograph is a graphical record of maternal and foetal data during progress of labour entered against time on a single paper sheet. Entire labour can be interpretated in a glance on the partograph. Partograph has been shown to be efficacious tool for monitoring labour and identified women in need of an obstetrician intervention. Aims and Objective: The study was aimed to comparing the maternal and fetal outcome along with normal progress of labour in W.H.O. modified partograph and latent phase partograph, to assess the incidence of prolonged labour and neonatal mortality, and determine the incidence of obstetrics intervention. i.e.– augmentation by oxytocin infusion, forceps delivery, lower segment caesarean section. Material and methods: Study sample consisted of 300 primigravidae presented in labour pain, live fetus with vertex, having term singleton pregnancy. Labour of 200 cases were monitored by W.H.O. modified partograph and intervened when labour reaches to action line, whereas labour of 100 cases monitored by latent phase partograph and augmented in latent phase after passing 8 hrs. Maternal and perinatal outcome were analyzed and comparing in both group. Results: The emergency caesarean section rate was reduced in W.H.O. modified partograph as compare to latent phase partograph (8% v/s 12%), thus indicating significant reduction in prolonged labour and foetal distress. Also still birth was less in modified partograph as compare to latent phase 0.5% v/s 2% (P value is >0.05) indicating an improved maternal & neonatal outcome. Conclusion: W.H.O. modified partograph improving labour management, reducing maternal and fetal morbidity/ mortality and also allows timely intervention as compared to previously popular latent phase partograph, thus recommending use of WHO partograph in all maternity units.