Use of vaginal prostaglandin gel before induction of labour

Tylose gel containing either 1.5 mg, 3.0 mg or 10.0 mg of prostaglandin F2 alpha was inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix of 165 patients on the evening before induction of labour. A control group of 100 patients received the gel alone. There was a significant reduction in the induction-delivery interval in nulliparae receiving at least 3.0 mg of prostaglandin, whereas, in multiparae all doses achieved this effect. There was also a significant reduction in the incidence of forceps delivery in nulliparae who received 3.0 mg or more of the prostaglandin gel; however, there was no difference in the incidence of spontneous labour, epidural anaesthesia or Caesarean section between the patients who received prostaglandin or those receiving gel alone.