THE EFFECT OF RIPENING THE CERVIX WITH PROSTAGLANDIN E(2) OR TRANSCERVICAL CATHETER ON FETAL BREATHING AND BODY MOVEMENTS

Objective: To examine the effect of cervical ripening with prostagland in E(2) (PGE(2)) tablets or intracervical Foley catheter on fetal brea thing and body movements. Method: A randomized study of the two ripeni ng methods was performed in 18 women at 38-42 weeks of gestation. All fetuses were normal, and patients had a Bishop score of 4 or less with intact membranes. Fetal breathing and body movements were evaluated f or 30 min prior to and again 1 h after the insertion of the catheter o r the application of 3 mg of PGE(2) tablets, Results: Application of P GE(2) tablets caused a decrease in the number of fetal breathing perio ds (20 +/- 12.6 versus 12 +/- 8, P < 0.024) and in the duration in sec onds of breathing activity (537 +/- 423 versus 244 +/- 166, P < 0.027) . The number and duration of fetal body movements did not change signi ficantly. Ripening of the cervix with an intracervical Foley catheter had no significant effects on fetal breathing and body movements. Conc lusion: Vaginal application of PGE(2) tablets reduced fetal breathing while the mechanical ripening of the cervix has no effect on intrauter ine fetal activity.