Aims To gather information on how age and BMI influence likelihood of caesarean section in primigravid women undergoing induction of labour with intact membranes.

Methods Data was gathered retrospectively for primigravid women undergoing induction of labour at Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, Glasgow and Southern General Hospital, Glasgow between February and April 2011 (n=155). Mean age and BMI were compared for women having either vaginal or section delivery, and logistic regression for age and BMI against outcome was performed.

Results Incidence of caesarean section was 45%, increasing to 66% with rising age and BMI. Increasing age correlated with increased chance of section (OR 1.1; p=0.001; 95% CI=1.04-1.16)); there was a trend for higher BMI to result in section although this was not statistically significant.

Discussion For some women caesarean section is a significantly more likely outcome than vaginal delivery of any following induction of labour, yet how many are counselled of this risk? A section risk of 66% is comparable to the risk of section in women with a breech presentation who agree to ECV. In these women we accept refusal of an uncomfortable procedure with limited success; why not for women at increased risk of caesarean section when undergoing induction of labour?