Featured review: Low-dose misoprostol given by mouth for induction of labour

First author of this new Cochrane Review,' Low ‐dose oral misoprostol for induction of labour ' , Robert Kerr explains, “Our review found that Misoprostol given orally outperforms the ‘gold-standard’ drug which is much more expensive, and used in preference in many countries. This review has the potential to impact millions of women and babies who have inductions of labour through its comparison of oral misopro stol with other commonly used induction techniques. " Labour inductions are common around the world. Induction rates vary worldwide, but for example in the UK, 1 in 3 women will have labour induced. Induction of labour may be a life-saving intervention and identifying effective and safe methods will help achieve greater positive birth experiences for mothers and their babies.In this recently published Cochrane review, authors explored the evidence from randomised controlled trials to see if low-dose misoprostol given by mouth is effective in starting labour in women in their third trimester with a live baby. They compared misoprostol with other commonly used methods of inducing labour.What is the issue?Artificially starting labour, or induction, is common in pregnancy. Reasons include the mother having high blood pressure in pregnancy or the baby being past the due date. Misoprostol is a type of prostaglandin that can be taken in low doses by mouth to induce labour. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that are made by the body for various functions (incl...
Source: Cochrane News and Events - Category: Information Technology Authors: Source Type: news