FETAL FIBRONECTIN AS A SELECTION CRITERION FOR INDUCTION OF TERM LABOR

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether the presence of fetal fibronectin in ce rvicovaginal secretions can be used as a selection criterion for induc tion of labor at term. STUDY DESIGN: Cervicovaginal secretions of 64 w omen who were scheduled for induction of labor were examined for fetal fibronectin and divided into group A (positive for fibronectin) and g roup B (negative for fibronectin). Both groups were examined for Bisho p score, the number of prostaglandin tablets administered, and the int erval between induction of labor and delivery. RESULTS: In group A the interval between induction of labor and delivery was significantly sh orter (p < 0.0001) than in group B. The number of prostaglandin tablet s administered to group A was likewise significantly lower (p < 0.0001 ). Unsuccessful induction of labor only occurred in women with fibrone ctin-negative cervicovaginal secretions. CONCLUSION: The assessment of the fibronectin content of cervicovaginal secretions constitutes a vi able instrument in the decision-making process preceding induction of labor.