. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.043
Unlike previous research that were limited to comparing outpatient vs. inpatient inductions or a one-to-one method comparison, this study is among the first to rank a variety of pharmacologic and mechanical labor induction methods used outside a, ranging from commonly used prostaglandin medications to alternative supplements and acupuncture.
The researchers found that compared with other available labor induction methods, 25 mcg of the medication misoprostol applied vaginally resulted in the shortest time from medical intervention to delivery. This approach did not increase the likelihood of cesarean delivery, need for additional ripening methods, low Apgar scores, or hyperstimulation. Among the effective methods, the team also found that taking 50 mg of mifepristone by mouth was associated with the lowest risk of cesarean delivery.