Propranolol for Protracted Labor

Overview

Induction of labor is one of the most common procedures performed on labor and delivery. In the United States, more than 20 percent of pregnant women undergo an induction of labor \[1\]. There is data from small, randomized studies that demonstrates the effectiveness of propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, for labor augmentation. This literature suggests a decrease in the amount of time to delivery and a possible reduction in cesarean section rates when propranolol is used in conjunction with oxytocin for induction of labor compared to oxytocin alone \[2-8\]. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors have been identified in the human myometrium. Propranolol has been shown in studies to enhance uterine contractions and may be a useful tool in this population of women. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess whether the administration of propranolol at time of labor dystocia reduces time to delivery.

All cervical ripening will be performed in the labor and delivery unit; continuous fetal heart rate and uterine activity will be monitored in all patients. Cervical dilation is assigned by admitting physicians. Sonography will be performed to document fetal presentation. At the time of prolonged labor, patients meeting inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria will be consented. There will be no monetary incentives for participation. Patients will be randomized to either Propranolol 2mg of IV or expectant management at the time of induction. Maternal vitals will be collected per standard labor management. Episodes of uterine activity that are deemed excessive by the physician will be treated with a standard combination of maneuvers that included a change in maternal position, oxygen administration, and terbutaline 250 µg subcutaneously. Persistent abnormal fetal heart rate patterns resulted in intervention by removing the patient from the study. Urgent cesarean delivery is defined as a cesarean delivery performed during the ripening process for abnormal fetal heart rate that did not respond to standard maneuvers.