Induction of labour for suspected macrosomia at term in non-diabetic women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared induction of labour with expectant management in non-diabetic women with suspected fetal macrosomia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of labour induction for suspected fetal macrosomia. SEARCH STRATEGY: Literature search in electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all RCTs of suspected fetal macrosomia comparing labour induction with expectant management in term pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the incidence of caesarean delivery. MAIN RESULTS: Four RCTs, including 1190 non-diabetic women with suspected fetal macrosomia at term, were analysed. Pooled data did not show a significant difference in incidence of caesarean delivery [relative risk (RR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-1.09], operative and spontaneous vaginal delivery, shoulder dystocia, intracranial haemorrhage, brachial plexus palsy, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, cord blood pH