Efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol vs transvaginal balloon catheter for labor induction: An observational study within the SWEdish Postterm Induction Study (SWEPIS)

Introduction Induction of labor is increasing. A common indication for induction late term and postterm pregnancy at 41 weeks or more. We aimed to evaluate if there are any differences regarding efficacy, safety, women's childbirth experience between oral misoprostol transvaginal balloon catheter cervical ripening in women with a low-risk singleton 41+0 42+0 1 gestation. Material methods In this observational study, based on data from the Swedish Postterm Study (SWEPIS), multicenter randomized controlled trial, total 1213 42 gestation were induced (n = 744) 469) 15 delivery hospitals. The primary efficacy outcome was vaginal within 24 h safety outcomes neonatal maternal composite adverse outcomes. Secondary included time mode delivery. Women's assessed Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ 2.0) visual analog scale. present crude adjusted mean relative risks (RR) 95% CI. Adjustment performed propensity score hospital baseline characteristics including Bishop score. Results Vaginal significantly lower group compared (46.5% [346/744] vs 62.7% [294/469]; RR 0.76 CI 0.640.89]). Primary did not differ groups (neonatal 3.5% [36/744] 3.2% [15/469]; 0.77 [95% 0.31–1.89]; 2.3% [17/744] 1.9% [9/469]; 1.70 0.58–4.97]). Adjusted increased by 3.8 (95% 1.3–6.2 h) group. Non-operative cesarean rates differ. positive overall similar both groups. Conclusions associated probability longer However, outcomes, non-operative delivery, Therefore, can be recommended postdate pregnancies.