Attempted induction to prevent postdatism

ABSTRACT

To evaluate some different methods of attempted induction and cervical ripening to prevent postdatism. The study was performed on 60 primigravidae women with low Bishop score and at 41 weeks gestation. They were divided into 4 groups. The first group received oxytocin drip infusion [2.5 ml unit in 500 c.c. glucose at a rate of 20 drops/minute- only one bottle]. The second group received 50 micro g misoprostol vaginally every 6 hours for 2 days. The third group were subjected to membrane stripping every 24 hours for 2 days. The fourth group were subjected to gentle examination for 2 days [expectant]. The induction-contraction interval [in hours] and induction-delivery interval for patient of group II [misoprostol] were statistically significantly shorter than the other groups. Regarding the abnormal uterine contraction group II [misoprostol] showed abnormal changes than other groups while group I [oxytocin] showed significant changes in foetal heart rate than the other groups. Group I [oxytocin] showed highest frequency of complications compared to the other groups. The study also showed no significant differences among the studied 4 groups with regard to normal and assisted delivery. Induction of labour to prevent postdatism by vaginal misoprostol is the easiest, safest, most convenient way and results in a shorten induction delivery interval. Yet with misoprostol there is an associated risk of hyperstimulation