Cervical dilation with prostaglandin F2 alpha for first trimester abortion

Mechanical cervical dilation in the first trimester has been associated with some risk of cervical injury and incompetence of the cervix resulting in premature labor and spontaneous abortion. Several chemical agents have been used in trying to prevent this mishap in the last few years. Prostaglandins have been shown to soften and dilate the cervix gradually. We evaluated the efficacy of (15S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha-methyl-ester suppositories in the softening and dilatation of the cervix in patients having elective first trimester abortion (seven to 14 weeks' pregnancy). The mean cervical dilatation (internal os) was 8.7 mm in patients who were seven to ten weeks pregnant and 9.8 mm in the group who were 11 to 14 weeks pregnant. The mean cervical dilation before prostaglandin administration was 1.7 mm for the external os; the internal os was closed. The side effects were minimal and well tolerated. Blood loss was also reduced in these patients.