The induction of labor with prostaglandin F2.

ABSTRACT

PIP This is a summary of the authors' experience in using PG (prostaglandin) F2alpha for the induction of labor at or near term. 30 women made up the study group. Vaginal delivery occurred in all 30 patients. No fetal complications attributable to the PGF2alpha were observed. There were no adverse maternal cardiovascular or pulmonary effects. A concentration of .05-.15 mug/kg/min of PGF2alpha was sufficient to stimulate uterine activity in all cases. It generally took less than 20 minutes between introduction of the PGF2alpha and the onset of uterine activity, regardless of parity. It is recommended that PG infusion be slow initially, then increased steadily until an effective infusion rate is obtained. The pattern of uterine activity induced by the PGF2alpha was different from that induced by oxytocin. Whereas the PGF2alpha produced the characteristic irregular uncoordinated contractions at the beginning, developing later into regular coordinated contractions, the oxytocin produces uniformly regular contractions. This would suggest that the mechanisms of action of the 2 substances differ.^ieng