[Uterine activity in induction of labor by vaginal administration of prostaglandin E2 tablets]

Induction of labor with intravaginal application of PGE2-tablets has become more popular recently. Delivery intervals have been reported to be reduced. Therefore we investigated intrauterine pressure profiles in a group of 25 women in which labor was induced electively by means of vaginal applications of 3 mg PGE2-tablets and compared them to a control group of 27 women with spontaneous onset of labor. In the first hours after amniotomy the frequency of contractions was higher in nulliparous whereas baseline and amplitude were increased in multiparous women. Overall uterine activity (hourly contraction area) however, was not statistical different in both groups. We concluded that shortened delivery intervals in the PGE2 induction group is based on an increased uterine activity in the first stage of labor. At the usual dosage no pathological pressure increases could be observed which lead to fetal compromise.