Prostaglandin E2 vaginal suppositories in pregnancy with an anencephalic fetus

Three patients with anencephalic fetuses were delivered vaginally following use of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) vaginal suppositories with minimal side effects and minimal delay until delivery, even though the cervix was unfavorable. One patient had laminaria inserted 12 hours prior to a single PGE2 suppository. The fetuses were stillborn, although all had had fetal heart tones when the first suppository was inserted. The observed uterine tachysystole and hypertonus under these circumstances may be advantageous if they prevent the additional emotional stress involved with the birth of a "live" anencephalic infant.