[Elective induction of labor using oral PGE2].

100 inductions of labour were attempted in 98 patients by administration of tablets of Prostaglandin E2. 12 inductions were dropped from the study to achieve an homogeneous population of 88 patients filling the criteria of elective induction of labour at term. All these inductions were attempted under electronic monitoring and according to a fixed dosage schedule. Low amniotomy was performed only in presence of advancing labour. Oral prostaglandin E2 successfully induced labour in 92%. The digestive side-effects were the most frequently encountered (34%). 5 cases of uterine hyperstimulation were recorded without fetal repercussion at birth. The procedure was considered safe for the fetus and the newborn as demonstrated by monitoring and clinical evaluation (Apgar score).