Preinduction Cervical Softening with Endocervical Pge 2 Gel: A multi‐center trial

In a prospective, randomized trial, a single dose of PGE 2 gel, 0.5 mg (2.5 ml), was given to 416 low Bishop Score patients 12 h prior to indicated oxytocin induction and compared with 404 non‐gel controls. Successful initial induction was achieved in 83% of the treated and 58% of the non‐treated subjects. In addition the induction—delivery interval was shortened (median times 9.0 h vs. 11.3 h) and fewer cesarean sections were performed (16% vs. 21%) in the PGE 2 gel series. The endocervical administration of PGE 2 was well tolerated and, provided care is taken to avoid excess extra‐amniotic placement, systemic PGE 2 effects are minimal.