Third trimester induction of labor with fetal death in utero

Labor was induced in 64 women in the third trimester, after antepartum fetal death. In 26 patients, hypertonic saline solution was instilled into the uterus; in 24, surgical rupture of the membranes, followed by oxytocin, was tried, and in 14, induction was by amniotomy only. A definite advantage of the last two methods was shown, the mean induction delivery interval being 22.55, 8.96 and 7.20 hours, respectively. Considering also the possible dangers of hypertonic saline solution, the simple method of amniotomy is preferred.