Induction of labor with oral prostaglandin E2 in normal and high-risk pregnancies

There were 153 oral prostaglandin (PG) E2 inductions attempted in 149 patients. For various reasons nine cases were dropped from the study. Of the remaining 144 induction attempts, 96 were judged successful, with a success rate of 67 per cent. Details of these inductions are presented, including summaries of three patients with uterine hypertonus and three with uterine hyperstimulation. As a rule, the labor pattern established with oral PGE2 was effective and indistinguishable from normal spontaneous labor. After review of the data we feel that induction of labor with oral PGE2 is no more hazardous to mother or infant than with other oxytocic agents. In our opinion oral PGE2 offers the obstetrician an additional means for induction of labor in normal and high-risk pregnancies. The need for close observation of the progress of labor during PGE2 inductions is emphasized.