A comparison of oestradiol and prostaglandin E2 for ripening the cervix

A study was conducted to compare the cervical ripening effect of extra-amniotic prostaglandin E2 with that of extra-amniotic oestradiol valerate in preparation for induction of labour. Sixty primigravidae with an unripe cervix received one or other agent suspended in a viscous gel. The degree of cervical ripening was similar in both groups but more patients treated with prostaglandins became established in labour before planned amniotomy, and poor progress in labour was less common in this group.