Cesarean delivery rates have plateaued in the United States despite attempts at reduction. Patients undergoing cesarean delivery are at greater risk for both short- and long-term complications when compared to those undergoing vaginal delivery. Previous studies have also suggested structural factors including the day of week and the time of decision for cesarean delivery play a role in the rate of cesarean delivery. The aim of the study is to determine if cesarean delivery rate varies by day of week and start time of induction.

We are performing a retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women who delivered at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center. We plan to include patients undergoing induction of labor (IOL) between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2022. The outcome will be rate of cesarean delivery stratified by day of week and start time of induction.