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Warning: You may not want your children to read some topics in this section. |
How is it done?
Arguments for and against prostaglandins
Possible reactions for mother and baby
Prostaglandins are synthetic hormones (or medications), usually in the form of a gel or a vaginal pessary, that are commonly used to ripen the cervix or induce labour. (In some countries this drug is given as an oral medication and in some research studies, it has been given through the vein). The more commonly used prostaglandins in Australia are Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel or 'Prostin' or Dinoprostone (Cervidil) pessaries.
The main aim of prostaglandins is to ripen the woman's cervix (or make her cervix more 'favourable'), so that
IV oxytocin for induction is more likely to be successful. This is particularly the case if the woman is less than 41 weeks pregnant. In some cases, the prostaglandins themselves, (along with breaking the waters), induces the labour, without the need for an oxytocin drip.
The caregiver uses the Bishop's score to assess the ripeness of the woman's cervix, before deciding if the prostaglandins are appropriate to give. If the score is more than 7 or 8, the prostaglandins would not be given, rather IV oxytocin and / or breaking the waters would be considered. Women having their second or subsequent baby are given lower doses of prostaglandins, to avoid overstimulating the uterus. You can read more assessing a woman's cervix and the Bishop's score in
Class 4.
How is it done?
The prostaglandin gel, or pessary, is placed behind the woman's cervix in her vagina, by the caregiver during a vaginal examination. This is usually done on the antenatal ward (the floor in the hospital that cares for pregnant women with complications). The medication is kept in the fridge (and is usually left out for 20 or 30 minutes before insertion) so it comes to room temperature before being given.