[Labor induction at term: amniotomy versus intravaginal administration of prostaglandin E2 tablets]

This study compares the conventional method for induction of labour, amniotomy (A) with or without oxytocin infusion, with induction by means of intravaginal prostaglandin (PG)-E2 tablets. We reviewed the records of 266 women (A group: 155 women, PG group: 111 women), who had no risk factors at the time of induction. Both methods were effective. However, induction by PGE2 tablets presented less risk and was more comfortable than early amniotomy. We conclude that A should no longer be the method of choice for the induction of labour at term; the application of intravaginal PGE2 tablets is an efficacious, easy, and low-risk alternative.