Labour was induced in 91 patients by means of low amniotomy and an escalating dose of oral prostaglandin E2tablets* up to a maximum dose of 1.5 mg hourly. This regime led to vaginal delivery in 91.2% of patients. The induction delivery interval was 11.2 ± 4.9 and 7.5 ± 4.5 hours for primiparous and multiparous patients respectively. The incidence of gastrointestinal side-effects was 15.4%, with 6 patients being unable to tolerate the regime. It is suggested that a higher hourly dose is necessary for primiparous patients with a low Bishop score.
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