[Induction of cervical maturation using vaginal administration of estrogens]

During the period between September 1, 1993 and September 1, 1994 the authors preinduced 38 pregnant women in term by oestrogen administered by the vaginal route. The group comprised patients with a single pregnancy, PPH, CS 5n and reactive NST. For preinduction 150 mg oestradiol in a viscous gel were used which along with a pessary was inserted 24 hours before the planned induction of delivery by the vaginal route on the portio uteri. After removal of the pessary the CS was evaluated and then delivery was induced by intracervically administered prostaglandin. The preinduction was successful in 32 patients (84.3%), in 6 patients uterine contractions started during preinduction, delivery by forceps was used twice (5.3%) and Caesarean section six time (15.8%). In the course of preinduction there were no side-effects, no irregularities in the course of parturition were observed. The described method can be recommended as the method of choice for the treatment of an immature portio uteri before planned induction of delivery.