INDUCTION OF LABOUR WITH ORAL PROSTAGLANDIN E₂

Abstract

After amniotomy for induction of labour prostaglandin E, (PGE,) was administered orally to two similar groups of 25 patients. Intrauterine pressure recording was begun in all patients prior to the administration of the prostaglandin and continued throughout labour. Labour was successfully induced in all the patients in both groups and, in the second group, the induction-delivery interval and the duration of labour were reduced by one-third by varying the prostaglandin dosage according to the uterine response. The incidence of maternal side effects was high in both groups but none was severe. No fetal complications occurred.