Induction of labor with intravaginal administration of misoprostol.
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.
Rodrigues
R
R
Serviço de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
Nunes
F
F
Tiago
D
D
Avillez
T
T
Vieira
A
A
Meirinho
M
M
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol