Labour induction with a sustained release prostaglandin E₂polymer vaginal pessary

SummaryA prostaglandin E2 polymer (hydrogel) pessary possessing long-term stability and providing sustained constant release was administered to 207 patients before planned induction of labour.Treatment effectively ripened the unfavourable cervix. In primigravidae with an unripe cervix, labour was initiated without additional treatment in 20.9 per cent of cases. When the cervix was ripe, the need for orthodox labour induction was obviated in 56 per cent of primigravidae and in 81 per cent of multigravidae.The administration of both epidural analgesia and oxytocin infusion was reduced, the frequency of spontaneous vaginal delivery was increased and the caesarean section rate was lower compared with those patients who required surgical induction.