Induction of labour with a sustained-release prostaglandin E2 vaginal pessary

A new polymer vaginal pessary providing sustained constant release of prostaglandin E2 was administered to 66 patients before planned induction of labour. Effective ripening of the unfavourable cervix was achieved in each of 18 primigravidas, in eight of whom labour was initiated without further treatment. When the cervix was moderately favourable the need for orthodox induction of labour was obviated in 16 out of 23 primigravidas and 21 out of 23 multigravidas. This method of sustained release of prostaglandin E2 is simple and convenient and readily acceptable to the patient; it is an important step in the development of non-invasive methods of inducing labour.