Vaginal prostaglandins and labour induction for patients previously delivered by caesarean section

Abstract

Labour was induced at term with vaginal instillation of prostaglandin E2 in 143 patients who had been delivered by caesarean section in a previous pregnancy. The method was simple, safe and effective with 76% achieving a vaginal delivery, and even when the cervix was very unfavourable at the time of prostaglandin treatment, 68% achieved vaginal delivery. The procedure reduces the need for repeat caesarean section with its potential morbidity, without evidence of undue risk of lower segment scar rupture.