Exploration and Prediction of Caesarean Section and Costs for Term Births Following Induction of Labour

Pregnant women often have their labour induced to increase the chances of a vaginal birth, but many still undergo a caesarean section. Using population-based, real-world datasets from Australia, this thesis quantitatively investigated the clinical and economic impacts of labour induction for singleton, term pregnancies, focusing on the likelihood of primary caesarean section and associated health care costs. A prediction model was developed to estimate a woman’s probability of a caesarean section based on ten characteristics known prior to induction. The findings aim to improve maternity care, reduce unnecessary interventions, and inform health care policies, making childbirth safer and more cost-effective.