OBJECTIVE To systematically review published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the safety and efficacy of 25 microg versus 50 microg of intravaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction. DATA SOURCES We supplemented a search of entries in electronic databases with references cited in original studies and review articles to identify RCTs of misoprostol for cervica...

BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is a factor in cervical ripening, perhaps under the control of progesterone. We studied the effects of the antiprogesterone mifepristone on the release of NO and on the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in the uterine cervix of women in early pregnancy. METHODS Thirteen women were treated with oral mifepristone (200 mg),...

Labour is induced in about 20% of pregnant women in high-income countries, making it one of the most frequently done obstetric interventions. Induction is commonly off ered to women at 41 weeks’ gestation or greater, to reduce the risk of perinatal death. Induction is also indicated in suspected maternal or fetal compromise, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension at term, for which delivery is ...

OBJECTIVE To compare clinical outcomes from outpatient with inpatient cervical prostaglandin E2 ripening for low risk labour induction. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. SETTING Two tertiary hospitals in Adelaide, Australia. POPULATION Women with uncomplicated term pregnancies, scheduled for induction of labour for reasons of post-dates or for social reasons. METHODS Eight hundred and...

There is a close relationship between the rate of the uterine cervix opening during parturition and the presence or absence of a completely ripened cervix. In order to learn the basic pattern of the ripening of cervix, histological and histochemical studies were performed on the human uterine cervix during pregnancy. It was noted that the collagen bundles disintegrated into fine fibers and also...

BACKGROUND Cervical ripening is one of the main stages of initiation labor. Acupressure in Chinese medicine is considered as an invasive technique, which through reliving oxytocin ripens the cervix. Acupoint Sanyinjiao (SP6) was selected in this study because it is the acupoint selected in gynecology and it is easy for women to locate and apply pressure without medical assistance. OBJECTIVES ...

Bilateral neurectomy of the pelvic nerve (BLPN) that carries uterine cervix-related sensory nerves induces dystocia, and administration of its vasoactive neuropeptides induces changes in the cervical microvasculature, resembling those that occur in the ripening cervix. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that (a) the cervix of pregnant rats expresses vascular endothelial growth facto...

UNLABELLED To show the efficacy of double-balloon cervical ripening catheter in the management of postpartum hemorrhage originating from the lower segment of the uterus or the upper parts of the vagina. METHODS Patients with intractable bleeding from the lower segment of the uterus and the upper parts of the vagina after Cesarean or vaginal deliveries were treated by double-balloon cervical r...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to detect cervical ripening with a new quantitative ultrasound technique. METHODS Cervices of 13 nonpregnant and 65 timed pregnant (days 15, 17, 19, 20, and 21 of pregnancy) Sprague Dawley rats were scanned ex vivo with a 70-MHz ultrasound transducer. Ultrasound scatterer property estimates (scatterer diameter [SD], acoustic concentration [AC], and s...