Use of modified who partograph to assess the progress of labour and fetomaternal outcome: a prospective case-controlled study

Objective: To assess the normal or abnormal progress of the labour by the use of partograph. Materials and Methods: The Prospective case-controlled study was conducted in obstetrics and gynaecology department of SMS Medical College hospital, Jaipur; Rajasthan. Antenatal cases of term pregnancies with labour pain and cephalic presentation recruited for study. The patients assigned randomly in two groups (1) control group, in which labour was not monitored with partograph and (2) study group, in which labour monitored with partograph.100 cases enrolled in each group. The study group guided with use of Modified WHO partograph. Results observed: Results Mean length of active phase of labour was significantly (P=.003) shortened in study group (4.69 ± 2.50 hours) than in control group (6.15 ±3.92 hours). Use of partograph was associated with statistically significant reduction in number of vaginal examinations (P value = 0.0001). Postpartum complications were reduced. There was significant reduction in neonatal asphyxia from 11% case in control group to 2% cases in study group (P value = 0.010). Other neonatal complications were also reduced. Conclusion: Study has shown that using the partograph is highly effective in reducing fetomaternal complications of labour as it helps in early recognition of slow progress of labour, so early intervention can be taken. Implementations of partogram should be encouraged in all hospitals, at all levels as a part of standard labour management protocol.