The Use of Prostaglandin E 2 for Cervical Ripening in Patients Requiring Induction of Labour

Abstract

A total of 290 women who required induction of labour for medical or obstetric reasons were given single or multiple doses of prostaglandin E₂ gel (0.5 mg) to induce cervical ripening. Onset of labour occurred in 185 (63.8%) of the women treated with the gel, without any further treatment. The overall Caesarean section rate was 27.2% (79/290) and was significantly higher among those with an initially low Bishop score than in those with a higher initial score (34.7% versus 22.1%; P = 0.025). Prostaglandin E₂ gel appears to be of considerable clinical benefit, especially where no other options are available except Caesarean section or a very long, difficult labour that may result in significant fetal distress.