RESUMO
A randomized prospective study was conducted and included 100 primigravid and multigravid pregnant inpatients admitted for induction of labor with a modified bishop score of [0 <7] and fulfilling the inclusion. Sixty patients were randomized to receive intracervical Foley catheter and forty patients to receive prostin E2 vaginal tablets. Oxytocin drip was then given if necessary. The results showed that the two groups were comparable with respect to age, parity, gestational age, indications for induction and initial pelvic scoring. Both prostin E2 vaginal tablets and Foley catheter were found to be effective for inducing cervical ripening. However, prostin E2 vaginal tablets were found to be more efficient in inducing cervical ripening in multiparae and cases with low initial pelvic score. They were also found to be more efficient in establishing vaginal delivery within a short time, but were more liable to be associated with intrapartum complications