The effect of vaginal pH on labor induction with vaginal misoprostol

Abstract

Objective. To estimate the association of vaginal pH on the induction to vaginal delivery interval in labor induction with vaginal misoprostol.

Methods. Women presenting at term with intact membranes for labor induction were recruited. The pH of the vagina was measured during a digital examination of the cervix to determine the Bishop Score. Labor was induced with 25 μg of vaginal misoprostol placed every 6 h until spontaneous rupture of membranes or active labor occurred. The primary outcome was the induction to vaginal delivery interval in the lower pH ( < 5) versus higher pH ( ⩾ 5) group. Secondary outcomes assessed maternal and neonatal morbidities. Sample size calculated a priori estimated 120 subjects were required for a power of 95% and a 2-tailed α of 0.05.

Results. 120 women met inclusion criteria and had available pH data. There was no difference in the induction to vaginal delivery interval in the lower pH (1455 min) versus higher pH group (1295 minutes, Mean difference 160[−147,468] P =. 30). No difference was observed for operative delivery rates or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion. The pH of the vagina may not affect the length of the induction to vaginal delivery interval in women undergoing labor induction with vaginal misoprostol. Further research is required to determine factors that may influence the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol when used for labor induction.