Induction of labor.

Labor is induced if pregnancy must be completed before the onset of spontaneous labor, usually for reasons of maternal illness, fetal distress or, most commonly, prolonged pregnancy. Although various mechanical methods are available for labor induction, pharmacologic methods are more commonly used. Oxytocin is the standard treatment. Prostaglandin E2 may be useful when the cervix is not favorable for induction. This article reviews both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic methods for labor induction, and offers suggestions for successful induction in various circumstances.