Abstract

Induction of labour is a common procedure worldwide with overall rates in many countries now exceeding 20% of all births.^1,2 Induction of labour is indicated when the risk of continuing pregnancy, for the mother or the fetus, exceeds the risk associated with induced labour and delivery.³ Preeclampsia
≥37 weeks, significant but stable antepartum hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, suspected fetal compromise and prelabour rupture of membranes at term are the high priority indications for induction of labour at term.
The goal of induction of labor is to achieve a successful vaginal delivery.³ induction of labor has two important components: cervical ripening and stimulation of uterine contractions, to achieve dilatation of the cervix and delivery of the fetus. The purpose of induction is to achieve vaginal delivery and to avoid operative delivery by Caesarean-section.
It is well recognized that the success of induction of labor, which ultimately aims at achieving vaginal delivery, depends to a great extent on the favorability of the cervix or its readiness to go into labour. Agents used for cervical ripening may lead in the establishment of contractions to women with an unfavorable cervix. Many different methods have been used, but prostaglandins remain a preferred method for cervical ripening and labour induction.^1,4,5
Dinoprostone is a Prostaglandin (PGE 2) which acts on the collagen structural network of the cervix and makes it favourable thus increasing the chances of a successful of a vaginal delivery. Dinoprostone is the preferred form of prostaglandin and has been shown to increase the rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h and is generally given when the cervix has a Bishop's score of ≤six.⁶