ABSTRACT
Objectives : To compare the duration of labour and maternal outcome in programmed labour protocol and conventional labour protocol followed in our hospital. Materials and Methods : Sixty consecutive uncomplicated primigravida with spontaneous onset of labour, at term in vertex presentation were selected and randomized into study and control groups of 30 each. Study group received programmed labour protocol and the control group received conventional labour protocol. Rate of labour progression, duration of labour, visual analog score, maternal and fetal outcome were studied. Results : 70% of the study group had excellent pain relief. The mean rate of cervical dilatation was 4.2cm/hr in study group and 1.92 cm/hr in control group . The mean duration of 1st, 2nd, 3rd stages were 140.41 mins, 21.24 mins and 6.2 mins respectively in study group as compared to 240.5 mins, 30.63 mins and 7.93 mins respectively in control group. 80 % of the women had vaginal delivery without any major adverse effects. Conclusions : Programmed labour protocol provides effective labour analgesia, augments the process of labour without adverse maternal outcome.