Early Versus Delayed Oxytocin Infusion Following Amniotomy in Nulliparous Women

In UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC), delayed oxytocin augmentation at two hours following amniotomy is the routine obstetric practice in spontaneous or induced labour with intact membranes. This practice may potentially cause prolonged labour, extended labour room occupancy and increased maternal exhaustion while no additional benefit can be gained. On the other hand, recommendation for early oxytocin augmentation poses a dilemma as the effectiveness and safety of this practice are still in doubt. Given this background, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of early versus delay oxytocin infusion in achieving successful vaginal delivery among the low-risk nulliparous women in UKMMC. Besides, this study also compares the adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes between the two practices.