Duration of Labour with Spontaneous Onset at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Duration of labour varies from one pregnancy to another and an acceptable period of <12 h is regarded as normal. Modern obstetric practice involves active management of labour with the aim of preventing prolong labour and its sequelae. The main objective of this study was to determine and compare the average duration of labour of spontaneous onset between nulliparas (Po) and multiparas (p≥1) and factors affecting duration of labour. This study was a prospective study carried out between May and June 2004 at the labour ward of the university of Ilorin teaching hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. About 238 parturients met the inclusion criteria during the study period. The results indicated that the mean admission-delivery interval in labour ward and duration of labour (from onset of labour to delivery) was shorter among multiparous women; 3.77 vs. 5.00 h (p>0.05) and 8.73 vs. 11.23 h (p>0.05) in multiparas and nulliparas, respectively. The overall duration of labour was 9.50 h mean and 8.70 h median. About 174 (73.11%) patients delivered within 12 h of onset of labour. Only parity and maternal age had significant correlation with duration of labour in this study.