Question

Female with 41 wk gestation confirmed by radiological investigation, very sure of her LMP, no uterine contractions, no effacement and no dilatation. What should not be done?

• A. Intracervical foley’s
• B. PGE1 tab
• C. PGE2 gel
• D. PGF2alpha

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In managing a post-term pregnancy with a female at 41 weeks gestation without any uterine contractions, effacement, or dilation, it is crucial to understand which methods of labor induction are appropriate and which are contraindicated. Here, we differentiate between various options:

• Intracervical Foley’s catheter: A mechanical method to ripen the cervix. It is often used in the absence of significant cervical change to prepare the cervix for labor.
• PGE1 (Prostaglandin E1) tablets: Used to induce labor by promoting cervical ripening and uterine contractions. These are commonly used and effective for induction.
• PGE2 (Prostaglandin E2) gel: Also used for cervical ripening and induction of labor. It is typically applied directly to the cervix.
• PGF2alpha (Prostaglandin F2alpha): Primarily used for controlling postpartum hemorrhage rather than labor induction. It is not typically used for cervical ripening or labor induction at term due to the risk of hyperstimulation and adverse effects.

Given the scenario, the use of PGF2alpha should be avoided as it is not suitable for inducing labor in this context. Instead, the other options (Intracervical Foley’s, PGE1 tabs, PGE2 gel) are more appropriate as they directly facilitate cervical changes or uterine contractions for labor induction.