[The induction of labor by prostaglandin F2alpha Clinical, tocographic and electrohysterographic study]

Induction of labor was performed in 65 patients by intravenous infusion of PgF2alpha. 55 patients were near term and induction made electively. 5 cases failed. No correlation was found between the stade of the cervix and the probability of success nor the length of the induction time. PgF2alpha induced labor needs to be closely monitored (electronical pumps and monitoring) because of the risk of hypertonus. With such a technique the side effects are minimal and no undesirable consequences were observed concerning either the mother or the child. During the course of this investigation a study was performed for the first time of the electrical activity of the human myometrium subjected to PgF2alpha stimulation. (26 recordings through the extra-amniotic intrauterine technique). The pattern of this activity is quite similar to spontaneously occuring alectrical activity.