Preinduction cervical priming with oral prostaglandin E2

Seventy-three women, primigravidas and multigravidas, received 1.0 mg PGE2 tablets hourly for 5 doses the evening prior to scheduled induction of term labor to improve cervical ripeness. The over-all response to treatment depended upon the initial cervical score. Gastrointestinal side effects occurred infrequently and no complications to mother or fetus were observed. While the protocol used provoked an important in cervical favorability it is anticipated that a more prolonged PGE2 administration might achieve better results.