Labor induction is defined as the artificial onset of labor for the purpose of vaginal birth. Cesarean section is one of the potential risk of labor induction as it occur in about 20% of the inductions. A ripe cervix (soft and distensible) is needed for a successful labor. During the ripening cervical tissues experience micro structural changes: collagen becomes disorganized and water content i...

We examined vaginal deliveries of twins to identify factors most strongly associated with the increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (estimated blood loss > or = 1,000 mL). We reviewed the obstetric records of all 171 twin vaginal deliveries at Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital from January 2002 through August 2006. Of these deliveries, 41 (24%) were complicated by postopartum h...

OBJECTIVE To determine coital incidence at term and to estimate its effect on labor onset and mode of delivery. METHODS Healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies and established gestational age were recruited to keep a diary of coital activity from 36 weeks of gestation until birth and to answer a short questionnaire. Two hundred women with complete coital diaries were available for analys...

OBJECTIVE To analyze published randomized trials assessing the safety and efficacy of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction. DATA SOURCES We supplemented a search of entries in electronic data bases with references cited in original studies and review articles to identify randomized trials of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION T...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence, indications, and factors associated with successful induction of labor (IOL), and maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS All women booked for IOL at King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from April 2010 to March 2011 were included. The characteristics of women who had successful IOL were compared to those ...

Labor induction abortion is effective throughout the second trimester. Patterns of use and gestational age limits vary by locality. Earlier gestations (typically 12 to 20 weeks) have shorter abortion times than later gestational ages, but differences in complication rates within the second trimester according to gestational age have not been demonstrated. The combination of mifepristone and mis...

OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and effectiveness of vaginal with oral misoprostol for induction of labor. METHODS A total of 107 women with clinical indication for induction were randomly assigned to receive oral or vaginal misoprostol. Doses of 100 microg of oral or 25 microg of vaginal misoprostol were given every 3-4 hours. If cervical ripening or active labor did not occur, repeated dose...

Introduction One great challenge in obstetric care is labor inductions. Misoprostol has advantages in being cheap and stable at room temperature and available in resource-poor settings. Material and Methods Retrospective cohort study of 4002 singleton pregnancies with a gestational age ≥34 w at Sodersjukhuset, Stockholm, during 2009-2010 and 2012-2013. Previously used methods of labor inducti...

Purpose To evaluate blood loss during misoprostol-induced vaginal births and during cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in 101 pregnant women indicated for labor induction; pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were measured to estimate blood loss during delivery. Labor was induced by administering 25 µg vaginal misopro...