Oral Misoprostol Solution for Induction of Labour

Objective

To determine the effects of oral misoprostol solution for induction of labour.

Study Design

This is a prospective observational study.

Setting

This study was conducted in Government Medical College, Aurangabad.

Method

Patients undergoing induction of labour after 36 weeks of pregnancy were allocated by randomization to induction of labour with oral misoprostol solution administered 2 h apart. Delivery within 24 h after induction with oral misoprostol solution was the primary outcome on which the sample size was based. The data were analysed by Statistical Software for Social Sciences software.

Result

Two hundred patients were randomly selected for induction with oral misoprostol solution. There were no significant differences in substantive outcomes. Vaginal delivery within 24 h was achieved in 80.5 % of patients. The caesarean section rate was 19.5 %. Uterine hyperactivity occurred in 4 % of patients. The response to induction of labour in women with unfavourable cervices (modified Bishop’s score <2) was somewhat slower with misoprostol, induction to delivery interval was more, oxytocin requirement was more, and vaginal delivery rate was less.

Conclusion

This new approach to oral misoprostol solution administration was successful in achieving vaginal delivery rate in 24 h in 80.5 % of patients; rate of LSCS was less 19.5 %.