Outpatient Based Misoprostol to Prevent Prolonged Pregnancy

The present study is an "open randomized controlled trial" using single low dose (25 µg) misoprostol vaginally as an intervention in study group at 40 weeks of gestation in uncomplicated singleton pregnancies to prevent prolonged pregnancy with control group receiving no intervention. The study and control groups showed significant difference in number of women entering labor within 1 week of enrolment. Induction was needed in only 7.7% (5/65) of women in the study group, whereas in the control group, induction was required in 27.7% (18/65) of women. Mean duration from enrolment in study till delivery was 1.33±2.03 days in study group and 4.98±2.74 days in control group. Cesarean section was required in 13.9% (9/65) and 15.4% (10/65) in study and control groups respectively. Women in study group did not have any side effects. Mean birth weight, meconium stained liquor rate, NICU admission rate and neonatal morbidity were found to be comparable in both the groups. No neonatal or perinatal mortality was observed in either group.