Experiences with oral prostaglandin E2 and amniotomy in the induction of labour.

PIP: 14 nulliparas and 28 multiparas were induced at term by combined low amniotomy and oral prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) solution. Doses, after a .5 mg test dose, were 1, 1.5, or 2.0 mg at 2-hour intervals. There were 37 successful deliveries, 3 Caesarean sections, and 2 failures, later successful with oxytocin. Induction delivery intervals averaged 12.6 hours in nulliparas and 8.9 hours in multiparas, and were inversely proportional to pelvic score. Fetal distress occurred in 2 cases. No other fetal side effects were reported, but vomiting was frequent (28.5%) and sometimes severe.^ieng