Labor patterns in long pregnancies started with cervical prostaglandin gel versus intravenous oxytocin

Induction to delivery time was significantly reduced in the prostaglandin E2 group compared to the oxytocin group (p < 0.001).

• The total oxytocin dose was significantly lower in the prostaglandin E2 group.
• Cesarean sections and instrumental deliveries occurred at similar rates between the two groups.
• Failures of trial were significantly higher in the oxytocin group (20.7%) compared to the prostaglandin E2 group (6%, p < 0.01).
• Twenty-four percent of women in the prostaglandin E2 group required a second dose.
• Almost half of the women in the prostaglandin E2 group experienced spontaneous labor.
• More neonates in the oxytocin group had 5-minute Apgar scores below 7 (p < 0.05).

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