Abstract

Background : Early detection of abnormal progress and prevention of prolonged labour can significantly improve the outcome of labour. Partograph is an inexpensive tool which can provide a continuous pictorial overview of labour and is essential to monitor and manage labour. Objective : The study was aimed to determine if among low risk labouring women, the use of modified WHO partograph resulted in reduced maternal and perinatal morbidity. Methodology: The course of labour of 100 women with uncomplicated full term pregnancies with cephalic presentation in active labour was studied using modified WHO partograph. 100 historical matched controls comprising of low risk women who delivered without the use of partograph were identified from the labour register and their course of labour studied. The hospital records were studied to obtain the demographic variables. Maternal and perinatal outcome was analyzed for both cases and controls. Results: The emergency caesarean section rate was reduced from 44% in controls to 21% in cases (p value 0.05). None of the cases had labour beyond 12 hours, thus indicating significant reduction in prolonged labour. Neonatal intensive care admissions decreased from 17% in controls to 6% in cases indicating an improved maternal and neonatal outcome. Conclusion: The use of Modified WHO Partograph significantly improves the maternal and neonatal outcome of labour thus recommending use of WHO partograph in all maternity units.