Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of oral misoprostol solution for induction of labour. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study. SETTING: This study was conducted in Government Medical College, Aurangabad. METHOD: Patients undergoing induction of labour after 36 weeks of pregnancy were allocated by randomization to induction of labour with oral misoprostol solution administered 2 h apart. Delivery within 24 h after induction with oral misoprostol solution was the primary outcome on which the sample size was based. The data were analysed by Statistical Software for Social Sciences software. RESULT: Two hundred patients were randomly selected for induction with oral misoprostol solution. There were no significant differences in substantive outcomes. Vaginal delivery within 24 h was achieved in 80.5 % of patients. The caesarean section rate was 19.5 %. Uterine hyperactivity occurred in 4 % of patients. The response to induction of labour in women with unfavourable cervices (modified Bishop's score <2) was somewhat slower with misoprostol, induction to delivery interval was more, oxytocin requirement was more, and vaginal delivery rate was less. CONCLUSION: This new approach to oral misoprostol solution administration was successful in achieving vaginal delivery rate in 24 h in 80.5 % of patients; rate of LSCS was less 19.5 %.