Sweeping of membranes vs. intracervical prostaglandin E-2 gel for cervicalripening - Randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare intracervical prostaglandin E-2 gel and membrane swee ping for cervical ripening. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty patients were randomized to either intracervical prosta glandin E2 or membrane sweeping. A Bishop score was assigned by a blinded e xaminer prior to and 24 hours following the procedure. RESULTS: The Bishop scores assigned 24 hours after prostaglandin instillati on and membrane sweeping were not significantly different (3.4, SE 0.42, vs . 3.3, SE 0.37, respectively; P > .05). The proportions of women entering a ctive labor or delivering within 24 hours were similar in the prostaglandin and membrane groups (21% and 19%, respectively, P > .05). CONCLUSION. When both intracervical prostaglandin insertion and membrane sw eeping are feasible, their salutary effects are comparable.