Abstract: Background: Labor is a process through which the foetus moves from the intrauterine to extra uterine environment. Induction of labor is defined as the initiation and perpetuation of uterine contractions with the goal of producing progressive cervical effacement and dilatation. Induction of labor is common in obstetric practice.
Aim& Objective: Study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intracervical Prostaglandin E2 gel as a cervical ripening agent in unfavourable cervix for induction of labor.
Material and Methods: This study comprised of 100 women attended Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ward of Dr. V.R.K. Women’s Medical College & Hospital who required labor induction Singleton pregnancy between 37- 41 weeks live intrauterine fetus.
Results: The most common indication for induction was past dates followed by pre-labor rupture of membranes and gestational hypertension. In our study, we have observed 64% of normal delivery and 36% of caesarean section. There was no perinatal morbidity and mortality. The rate of caesarean section was 61% in prinigrivida, whereas in 2nd & 3rd gravid normal delivery was 62%. Further there was no maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal side effects were minimal and neonatal outcome was good.
Conclusion: The study showed that intracervical application of PGE2 is effective, safe and acceptable method for labor induction in women with unfavourable cervix. All these effects were achieved without increasing maternal and neonatal morbidity.