[Programmed labor--beneficial for the mother and fetus or an obstetrical hazard?]

During the period between Jan. 1, 1992 and Dec. 31, 1995 at the Second Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 482 full-term pregnancies were terminated by elective induction of labour. Labour was induced by extraamnial administration of PGE2 (Prostin UPJOHN 3.0 mg tablets vag). Depending on the maturity of the portio uteri a maximum of two doses after two hours were administered: 0.5 mg PGE2 when the cervical score was > 8 and 1.0 mg PGE2 when the score was 5-8 points. The results were compared with 278 non-risk pregnant women who were delivered of babies between Jan. 1 and June 30, 1995. The first stage of labour was longer in patients with spontaneous labour. The second stage of labour was longer in patients with induced labour. From the results ensues that an elective induction of labour does not increase the perinatal risk for mother and foetus, and conversely if all conditions are respected it is better for the mother, her family and the staff of the labour ward.