Efficacy of Nifedipine in Suspension of Preterm Labour

Publication: January 2026

1Dr Fizza Waheed, 2Dr Saema Tehseen, 3Dr Naila mahboob, 4Dr. Saima khan, 5Khadija Saeed, 6Dr. Mariam chaudhry 

1PGR gynae and obs, Paf Hospital Mushaf Sargodha 

2Assistant Professor, FRPMC/PAF Hospital Faisal, Wing commander 

3Classified gynaecologist, PAF hospital Noor khan, Squadron Leader

4Classified obstetrician and Gynaecologist, PAF Hospital Mushaf Sargodha, Squadron Leader

5Senior Registrar, azaia Ruth Pfau Medical College  dr.khadija.gyn@hotmail.com

6PGR Gynae and obs, PAF Hospital Mushaf Sargodha 

 

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral nifedipine compared with standard tocolytic therapy in women presenting with threatened preterm labour.

Study Design and Setting:

A randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PAF Hospital Mushaf, Sargodha, over a period of six months following ethical approval.

Methodology:

Eighty-four women with singleton pregnancies between 24+0 and 34+0 weeks of gestation diagnosed with threatened preterm labour were enrolled and randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received oral nifedipine, while Group B received standard β-agonist therapy. The primary outcome was successful tocolysis, defined as no delivery within 48 hours of therapy. Secondary outcomes included prolongation of pregnancy beyond seven days, maternal adverse effects, and neonatal outcomes such as Apgar score, birthweight, and NICU admission. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Successful tocolysis within 48 hours was achieved in 90.5% of the nifedipine group compared with

76.2% in the control group (p = 0.04). Pregnancy was prolonged beyond seven days in 80.9% versus

66.7% (p = 0.03), respectively. Maternal adverse events occurred in 9.5% of nifedipine users versus 26.1% of β-agonist users, primarily mild hypotension and flushing. Neonatal outcomes were superior in the nifedipine group, with higher mean birthweight (2.32 ± 0.41 kg vs 2.11 ± 0.36 kg) and fewer NICU admissions (28.6% vs 47.6%). No severe maternal complications were observed.

Conclusion:

Oral nifedipine is a safe and effective tocolytic agent for the suppression of preterm labour. It provides superior efficacy, fewer maternal side effects, and improved neonatal outcomes compared to β-agonist therapy, supporting its use as a first-line agent in preterm labour management.

Keywords: Nifedipine, Preterm Labour, Tocolysis, Maternal Outcomes, Neonatal Outcomes