Fetal and maternal outcome following implementation of Labour Care Guide.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of maternal and neonatal outcomes following implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Labour Care Guide in term pregnancies. Study Design: Descriptive Observational study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Period: July 2024 to December 2024. Methods: A total of 73 term pregnant women monitored using the WHO Labour Care Guide were included. Women with singleton, cephalic pregnancies at ≥37 weeks were enrolled, while high-risk and medically complicated pregnancies were excluded. Maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean maternal age was 26.8 ± 4.2 years, and 52.1% of participants were primigravida. The mean duration of the second stage of labour was 64.8 ± 25.4 minutes, with 87.7% experiencing a normal second stage. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 76.7% of women, while 23.3% required operative delivery. Maternal complications were infrequent, including postpartum haemorrhage 5.5%, perineal trauma 12.3%, and infection 4.1%, with no cases of uterine rupture. Most neonates 94.5% had normal 5-minute APGAR scores ≥7, 8.2% developed respiratory distress, and 9.6% required NICU admission. Maternal age, parity, and gestational age were not significantly associated with most maternal or neonatal outcomes, although younger mothers (18–25 years) had significantly higher NICU admission rates (p = 0.031). Conclusion: Implementation of the WHO Labour Care Guide was associated with favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes in term pregnancies. The guide supported structured intrapartum monitoring while maintaining maternal and neonatal safety.