A Randomized, Control Trial for Preinduction Cervical Ripening

A Randomized, Control Trial for Preinduction Cervical Ripening

The goal of this study is to compare the vaginal delivery rates in women undergoing induction of labor with an unripe cervix between oxytocin induction alone and preinduction cervical ripening with prostaglandin El (misoprostol). Secondary goals are to measure and compare the time intervals to delivery between the two methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women that are hospitalized for induction of labor that have a Bishop's score <5
• singleton gestation
• cephalic presentation
• 24 weeks gestational age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior uterine surgery
• malpresentation
• placenta previa or abruption
• clinically suspected or diagnosed intra amniotic infection
• genital HSV infection
• multiple gestation
• premature rupture of the membranes
• active labor
• maternal/fetal conditions that may preclude labor induction in the opinion of the investigators