Intravaginal prostaglandin-E2 for cervical priming and induction of labour

ABSTRACT

A prospective study examined the safety, efficacy and labour outcome in 436 women undergoing labour induction using intravaginal prostaglandin E2. Women with singleton pregnancies [235 nulliparas and 201 multiparas] were recruited if they had a clinically unfavourable cervix, and indications for induction. The mean [standard deviation] interval from initiation to delivery was statistically significantly shorter in multiparas than nulliparas 13.5 hours [SD 1.8] versus 15.5 hours [SD 2.4]. No more than 2 x 3 mg tablets were needed to achieve a clinically feasible cervix for amniotomy. The overall need for oxytocin augmentation of labour was 42%, significantly higher in nulliparas [47%] than multiparas [35%]. Intrapartum complications, caesarean section and perinatal deaths showed no statistically significant differences between the groups