Mifepristone Versus Laminaria for Cervical Ripening in Midtrimester Induction

Randomized Controlled Trial of Mifepristone Versus Laminaria for Cervical Ripening In Midtrimester Induction

Data from other countries have suggested that oral mifepristone used as a cervical ripening agent may decrease induction to delivery time in midtrimester inductions. To our knowledge, there are no trials comparing mifepristone to laminaria in a standard clinical setting with standardized misoprostol induction protocol to examine the issue of induction to delivery time. We hypothesize that mifepristone will work at least as well as laminaria for midtrimester cervical ripening prior to induction of labor with misoprostol.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pregnant women with fetal anomalies, aneuploidy, or demise at 15-22 weeks gestation
• age greater than 16
• able to speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• prior uterine scar or
• allergy or history of bad reaction to any of the study drugs or
• history of chronic adrenal failure or
• porphyria or
• concurrent long-term corticosteroid treatment