Outpatient Management of the Uncomplicated Postdate Pregnancy with Intravaginal Prostaglandin E₂ Gel and Membrane Stripping

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the safety and efficacy of outpatient intravaginal prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and membrane stripping in promoting labor in the uncomplicated postdate pregnancy. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, 150 enrollees were randomized to one of four treatment groups: group I, no membrane stripping and placebo gel; group II, no membrane stripping and PGE₂ gel; group III, membrane stripping and placebo gel; and group IV, membrane stripping and PGE₂ gel. The treatments were administered at 287 days (41 weeks) and 294 days (42 weeks) of gestation, then every 3–4 days until 307 days (43 completed weeks) of gestation. The patients in group IV had the shortest interval to delivery with a median of 1 day, P =. 001, and had the fewest antenatal surveillance visits with only 21% requiring more than one visit, P =. 02. Group I patients in comparison, had a 7-day median to delivery, and 61% required more than one visit. The time spent in labor and delivery and the need for oxytocin augmentation was not significantly reduced in groups II, III, and IV. No adverse side effects to either mother or neonate could be directly attributed to this outpatient treatment combination. We conclude that intravaginal PGE₂ gel combined with membrane stripping reduces postterm pregnancies and antenatal visits in our patients.

Key Words:

• postdate pregnancy
• prostaglandin
• membrane stripping (sweeping)
• labor induction
• antenatal surveillance