Medical Student Research Forum Posters

Induction of labor (IOL) is the process by which medications or other methods are used to initiate labor in pregnant patients. Approximately 1 in 4 women in the United States are induced, up to 1 in 10 being induced for elective reasons. There are several approaches to IOL, which can vary based on the clinical context, the institution, as well as provider preference. It is unclear whether some methods or method combinations of IOL are of more benefit than others. At UC Davis, guidelines for approaching IOL are outlined but not completely standardized, leaving room for variabilities in practice, particularly in primipara patients (those giving birth for the first time).