MISOPROSTOL FOR INDUCTION OF LABOR IN TERM PREGNANCY

Abstract

Induction of labor refers to the process whereby uterine contractions are initiated by
medical or surgical means before the onset of spontaneous labor. Several studies have
shown that continuous intravenous infusion of oxytocin is less efficient, particularly
when there are unfavorable cervical conditions, leading frequently to a cesarean section,
because of induction failure. Misoprostol is a cervical modifying agent and labor
inductor. The typical effect of a single dose of oral misoprostol is an increase in uterine
tonus. Sustained plasma level of misoprostol is required for the development of regular
contractions appear. The bioavailability of vaginal misoprostol also greater compared to
oral, sublingual and rectal administration. Using misoprostol for cervical ripening and
labor induction represented a 47% reduction in the risk of having a cesarean section

(
risk ratio = 0.53
)
. In cases of unfavorable cervix condition, the use of misoprostol
could produce several beneficial effects compared to other inductor such as oxytocin