Abstract:

Our aim was to investigate the efficiency and safety of intravaginal misoprostol application for cervical ripening and labor induction at term pregnancy. Misoprostol (prostaglandin E1) was applicated at 50 μg doses intravaginally in every 3 h for cervical ripening and labor induction in 30 pregnant women with unfavorable cervix (Bishop’s score ²5). Dose was repeated for a maximum 6 times until begining active labor contractions or occuring rupture of membrans. The time from induction to delivery, mode of delivery, side effects of drug, maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. The elapsed time after induction to delivery were 13.2±2.5 hours and five patients (20.8 %) required oxytocin augmentation. Cesarean delivery rate was 20 %, in one case perinatal death occurred due to cord prolapsus. Percentage of occurence tachysystole and thick meconium passage were 30 % and 16.6 %, respectively. One baby was needed to refer to the neonatal intensive care unit. It is concluded that intravaginal administration of misoprostol is effective, safe and cheap agent for cervical ripening and labor induction in case of unfavorable cervix. But further study is needed to determine an optimal dosing regimen and application route for preventing complications such as uterine tachysystole and fetal distress.

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