ROLE OF PHLOROGLUCINOL IN REDUCING DURATION OF ACTIVE STAGE OF FIRST PHASE OF LABOR

Abstract

Background: The active phase of the first stage of labor is critical in determining the overall duration and outcome of childbirth. Phloroglucinol, a smooth muscle relaxant, has been proposed as a potential agent to shorten the duration of the active phase of labor. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of phloroglucinol in reducing the duration of this phase compared to a control group. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Sir Gangaram Hospital, Lahore, from December 2024 to February 2025. Sixty-two primigravida women, aged 18-35 years, with a singleton, cephalic fetus, and spontaneous labor at 5 cm cervical dilation, were randomly assigned to receive either phloroglucinol (Group A, n=31) or normal saline (Control Group, n=31). Results: The mean duration of the active phase of labor was significantly shorter in the phloroglucinol group (3.2 ± 0.7 hours) compared to the control group (5.4 ± 0.8 hours) with a p-value of 0.002. Cervical dilatation progressed faster in the phloroglucinol group, particularly at the 8 cm dilation point (p = 0.045). There were no significant differences in the mode of delivery between the groups. Maternal complications, including maternal fever and fetal distress, were similarly low in both groups. Postpartum recovery was faster in the phloroglucinol group, with a significantly shorter time to ambulation (p = 0.031). Conclusion: Phloroglucinol effectively reduces the duration of the active phase of labor without increasing maternal or fetal complications. These findings suggest that phloroglucinol may be a valuable adjunct in labor management to enhance the efficiency of labor progression.