Pre-term cervical ripening and labor induction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively pre-term induction; with Prostaglandin (PG) E(2)-gel and i.v. oxtytocin, respectively.

METHODS

Fifty pre-term women with a gestational age between 28 + 0 and 36 + 6 and medical indications for labor induction were compared with the two next induced at term and post-term. The obstetric end points were numbers of PGE(2)-gel applications, failed inductions, instrumental delivery and heavy bleeding after partus (>1000 ml). The neonatal outcome was registered as operative delivery for fetal distress (ODFD) or Apgar score <7 at 5'.

RESULTS

The number of PGE(2)-gel applications did not differ. The duration of labor was shorter in the pre-term group (P = 0.043). A five-fold higher risk of heavy postpartum bleeding (>1000 ml) was noticed in the post-term group compared to the pre-term. The incidence of low Apgar scores were similar in the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Safe vaginal labor induction and delivery can be anticipated pre-term with PGE(2)-gel.