Induction of labor by endocervical application of prostaglandins and intravenous infusion of oxytocin in postterm pregnancy.

The study compares two contemporary modes of labor induction: intravenous application of Syntocinon and endocervical application of prostaglandins and examines their efficacy and safety. Ninety women were divided according to the degree of cervical maturation (shown by Bishop score) into two groups. In group I there were 60 women with unripe cervix (Bishop score < or = 5) and induction was performed by endocervical application of 0.5 mg Dinoprostone, and in group II there were 30 women with ripe cervix (Bishop score < or = 6) in which the induction was performed by intravenous application of Syntocinon (500 ml of 5% glycose with 10 iu of Syntocinon). After three hours the initially significantly different Bishop score values were equalized and it was possible to correlate the duration of the labor (Group I 545 min, Group II 338 min). The correlation of initial Bishop score values and the total duration of the labor was negative and high in both groups. All the neonates from both groups were in good condition and no serious complication was noted. Both methods of labor induction appear similarly effective and safe both for the fetus and the mother.