Comparison of the Effectiveness, Safety, and Satisfaction of Different Methods for Labor Induction

Comparison of the Effectiveness, Safety, and Satisfaction of Different Methods for Labor Induction

The objective of this interventional study is to compare the effectiveness, safety, and patient satisfaction associated with two commonly used methods of labor induction: low-dose oral misoprostol and the vaginal delivery system with dinoprostone.

The study aims to identify the most suitable induction method for specific subgroups of patients based on parity, body mass index (BMI), age, and cervical ripeness, as well as assess patient preferences for these induction methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age between 37 0/7 and 42 0/7 weeks
• Singleton pregnancy
• Viable fetus in cephalic presentation
• Bishop score ≤ 6
• Maximum parity of three
• Reactive CTG at admission without pathological findings

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years
• Gestational age < 37 0/7 weeks
• Active labor
• Spontaneous rupture of membranes
• Non-reassuring CTG findings
• Suspected infection (e.g., fever > 38°C, chorioamnionitis, or unexplained systemic infection)
• Contraindications to vaginal delivery or prostaglandin use
• Previous cesarean delivery or uterine surgery involving entry into the uterine cavity
• Significant fetal abnormalities
• Severe fetal growth restriction with an estimated fetal weight below the 3rd percentile
• Non-Slovenian-speaking participants