EARLY LABOR INITIATION WITH ORAL PGE2 AFTER PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES AT TERM

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 49  (5) , 523-526
Abstract
Two groups of healthy women at term who were not in labor 3 h after premature rupture of the membranes were studied. In 1 group labor induction with oral prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was begun 3 h after rupture, and in the other group i.v. oxytocin induction was begun 12 h after rupture. PGE2 was successful in initiating active labor in 88% of women treated. Of the women who were observed for 12 h, 50% began labor spontaneously during that time. Women in whom labor was induced with PGE2 given 3 h after rupture of the membranes had a shorter interval of rupture to delivery, a lower cesarean section rate and shorter postpartum hospitalization. Although significant bradycardia did not occur in fetuses of those women given PGE2, 10% of infants whose mothers were receiving oxytocin were delivered by cesarean section for this reason. Oral PGE2 apparently is safe and effective for induction of labor in women with premature membrane rupture. The benefits to mother and fetus of a shorter latent period are discussed.

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