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. Tweetable abstract #Induction of labour for #macrosomia improves neonatal outcome.