Abstract: Background: The change in vaginal pH has an effect on preterm delivery and it suggests that there may be association of vaginal pH with cervical ripening/change in Bishop score. The aim of this study is determination of vaginal pH and its role on the Dinoprostone gel effect for cervical ripening.
Subjects and Methods: This is hospital based prospective observational study done on 50 pregnant women admitted in labour room for labour induction and fulfilling inclusion/exclusion criteria at Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, RMMCH. After initial Bishop score assessment and vaginal pH, all women received Dinoprostone gel intracervically (0.5mg) for cervical ripening. Group 1 included patients with vaginal pH <4.5 and group 2 included with vaginal PH ≥4.5. Their clinical outcomes were noted. The significance of association was calculated by Chi-square test. Results: The mean vaginal pH was 4.43±0.62 (range 3-6). Muliparous women were associated with higher pH. Bishop score after PGE2 gel induction, mode of delivery and induction to delivery interval were significant in vaginal pH ≥4.5 (group 2). No significant difference were noted between two groups in relation with age, gestational age and Bishop score before PGE2 gel induction, time taken to enter into active phase.
Conclusion: vaginal pH is influenced by parity and vaginal pH by itself has an effect on cervical ripening. Thus patients with higher vaginal pH had good response to PGE2 gel resulting in successful induction by cervical ripening/vaginal deliveries.
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