The effect of oxytocics on the human cervix during midtrimester pregnancy.

Observations of the effects of oxytocics on the human pregnant cervix have been made in vivo using a double open ended catheter technique. Prostaglandin E, prostaglandin F2alpha and oxytocin had similar but no specific effects upon the intracervical canal pressure; ergometrine caused contractions of the cervix. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to cervical rupture and cervico-vaginal fistulae that have been reported following second trimester abortion induced with prostaglandins.