Prostaglandin E2 Vaginal Suppository for Induction of Labour in Favourable and Unfavourable Cervix

Abstract

Objective To compare the pregnancy outcome between patients with favourable and unfavourable cervix.

Subjects Twenty-seven, term, pregnant women were admitted for induction of labour with prostaglandin E, (PGE,) vaginal suppository (3 mg).

Main outcome measures Mode of delivery, time from initial application of PGE, until delivery, any adverse effects, Apgar score and immediate newborn status.

Results Caesarean section was performed in 3 out of 13 and 3 out of 14 in patients with favourable (group 1) and unfavourable cervix (group 2) respectively. The mean time of application of prostaglandins to labour (A-L), application to delivery (A-D) and rupture of membranes to delivery (R-D) in cases of successful vaginal delivery, showed no statistical difference between the two groups (group 1 vs group 2, A-L 9.77 + 7.39 hr vs 12.07 + 9.02 hr ; A-D 19.45 10.26 hr vs 20.87 + 8.21 hr and R-D 5.65 + 5.70 hr vs 6.24 + 6.82 hr, P >0.05, respectively). No adverse effects occurred both the baby and the mother during the labour period.

Conclusion The pregnancy outcome of induction of labour by PGE, vaginal suppository were similar between patients with favourable and unfavourable cervix.