Abstract
Background: Induction of labour is one of the most important interventions done in modern obstetric practice and the success of induction techniques depends upon its role in cervical ripening and improvement in the Bishop’s score.
Objectives: This study was done to compare the improvement in Bishop’s score among the women receiving oral mifepristone and oxytocin infusion to ripen the cervix prior to induction of labour at term.
Methods: This was a hospital based, prospective randomized controlled trial conducted from August 2015 to February 2016. A total 68 patients were randomized into two groups: Mifepristone group and Oxytocin group. The improvement in Bishop’s score prior to and after 48 hours of cervical ripening, induction to delivery interval in vaginal delivery, mode of delivery, any adverse maternal and foetal outcome were recorded in both the groups.
Results: The study demonstrated an overall significant improvement in Bishop’s score in mifepristone group compared to oxytocin group (p-value=0.003). A significant number of patients in mifepristone group had improved mean Bishop’s score (p-value=0.001) after 48 hours of cervical ripening. There were more vaginal deliveries in the mifepristone group, with shorter mean induction to delivery interval as compared to the oxytocin group. There were no maternal side effects and adverse perinatal outcomes in both the groups.
Conclusions: Mifepristone is a good alternative to oxytocin for cervical ripening for induction of labour.