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Induction of labor with intravaginal administration of misoprostol
R Rodrigues1, F Nunes, D Tiago
1Serviço de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol for labor induction.
Methods:
110 singleton term pregnancies with or without rupture of membranes were enrolled. Fractionated doses of misoprostol were applied (50-100 microg), every 6 h until a maximum of three doses or beginning of labor.
Results:
The average interval (+/- S.D.) from vaginal application to the beginning of active labor and to delivery were, respectively, 9.5 +/- 5.7 h and 14.8 +/- 9.5 h. Failed labor induction was observed in two cases (2%). Cesarean section rate was 14%. The incidence of tachysystole was 18% and hypersystole 4%, but these situations were associated with abnormal fetal heart rate pattern (hyperstimulation) in only 3%. No maternal side effects and neonatal adverse effects were noted.
Conclusions:
Intravaginal misoprostol administration with low doses is an effective and safe method for labor induction in term pregnancies, with or without rupture of membranes.