Abstract: To research the efficacy of misoprostol for induced term labor. 91 patients with an indication for induction of labor were assigned to two groups.The induction was carried out either with misoprostol, 50 μg intravaginally every 12 hours until active labor, or with installing valium for 3 days, then augment oxytocin continuously up to labor onset. The mean change in the Bishop score was higher in those receiving misoprostol (2.69 vs 1.80, P<0.05). The rate of efficiency was higher in those receiving misoprostol (93.88% vs 64.29%, P<0.01). No significant differences were noted in the time from induction to vaginal delivery between the two groups. The vaginally administered misoprostol is an effective agent for the cervical ripening and induction of labor.

Key words: misoprostol, induced labor, uterine contraction