PELVIC SCORING FOR ELECTIVE INDUCTION.

Elective induction of labor is considered a controversial aspect of pregnancy management. Its advantages are that it combines an easy short and convenient labor with a minimal and acceptable rate of perinatal mortality. Its critics condemn the procedure as dangerous to both mother and child. The oxytocin infusion method of induction is not criticized. The point of controversy is the method of selecting suitable candidates. The following conditions should be met in the selection of candidates: 1) no nulliparous womans labor benefits enough to render the procedure worthwhile; 2) no induction should be performed before within 3 weeks of term; 3) the fetal presentation should be vertex; 4) a history of previous abnormal pregnancy or the presence of any complicating factor in the present pregnancy should be contraindicative; and 5) the patient should be adequately informed. Beyond these minimum requirements a standardized method for selecting suitable patients for induction has been developed. Evaluation of the dilatation effacement consistency and position of the cervix plus the station of the presenting part are all assessed for a combined pelvic score. This evaluation is done through a pelvic examination. Experience suggests that elective induction has been successful when the pelvic score totalled 9 or more and the average duration of such labor procedures was less than 4 hours. The score can warn of premature labor.