ABSTRACT
Objectives - To compare the safety and efficacy of prostaglandin E2 gel with I.V. oxytocin for induction of labour. Methods - Over 200 pregnant women admitted for induction of labour were randomly allocated into two groups; Group A (100 women) who had pre induction cervical ripening with prostaglandin E2 gel; Group B(100 women) who received IV oxytocin without cervical ripening. Statistical analysis used: Student t test, Z test, correlation of coefficient. Results: The demographic characteristics of the women and indications of labor in both groups were comparable. The mean Bishop score at 12 hours in group A and group B were 9.33 ±1.63 and 5.76 ±3.07 respectively and were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean duration of labor in group A was 8.99±4.7 hours and in group B was 16.22±5.11 hours. The difference was highly significant (p< 0.0005). The complications and side effects were minimal with good neonatal outcome in group A compared to group B. Conclusion: Prostaglandin E2 gel when used intracervically is a safe and effective method for induction of labour.