Comparison between Partograph and Labour Care Guide in the Management of Labour in a Tertiary Care Centre in Haryana (Code-T0337)

Introduction: Optimal labour monitoring is crucial in reducing maternal and neonatal 
complications. The WHO Partograph has been the standard tool for assessing labour progression, 
but it has limitations in individualized care and decision-making. The WHO Labour Care Guide 
(LCG), introduced in 2020, emphasizes respectful maternal care and evidence-based 
interventions. This study compares the effectiveness of the WHO Partograph and LCG in labour 
management. 
Aims and Objectives 
Aim: To compare WHO partograph and WHO labour care guide in the management of labour 
and Assessment of RMC in a Tertiary Care centre  
Objectives: To compare WHO partograph and WHO labour care guide used during management 
of labour in terms of  
a) Detection of complications during labour  
b) Assessment of implementation of Respectful Maternal care  
c) Duration of labour  
d) Mode of delivery  
e) Maternal and Perinatal outcome and Complications  
f) To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of incorporation of WHO LCG in 
management of labour  
Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted at Kalpana Chawla Government 
Medical College, Karnal, Haryana. A total of 168 women in active labour with singleton, 
cephalic pregnancies were enrolled and randomized into two groups: one monitored with the 
WHO Partograph and the other with LCG. Labour progression, maternal and neonatal outcomes, 
and healthcare provider satisfaction were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. 
Results: LCG demonstrated improved detection of labour deviations and facilitated timely 
interventions. It allowed greater flexibility in labour management, leading to a reduced rate of 
unnecessary cesarean sections. Healthcare providers reported higher acceptability and 
satisfaction with LCG due to its structured decision-making approach. 
Conclusion: The WHO Labour Care Guide is a promising alternative to the traditional 
Partograph, enhancing labour monitoring and maternal outcomes. Its implementation in tertiary 
care settings could improve obstetric care practices. 
Keywords: Labour Monitoring, WHO Partograph, Labour Care Guide, Maternal Outcomes, 
Obstetric Interventions, Tertiary Care.