Guidelines for the elective induction of labor with oral Prostaglandin E2.

Fifty multiparous patients at 37 weeks or more of gestation with a vertex presentation and a Bishop score of 7 or more had labor induced with oral Prostaglandin E2 tablets. All responded and delivered vaginally. The induction to delivery time averaged 4 hours and 44 minutes. The average number of tablets required was 3.64. Four women experienced nausea and an additional 4 women had some vomiting. Two patients showed hypertonus and 11 had frequent contractions. Many progressed rapidly after they began active labor. There was no evidence of fetal distress. Guidelines are suggested for the use of oral Prostaglandin E2 tablets to adequately control the labor process and prevent hypercontractility.