Table 1 Induction of labour methods; hierarchy of comparisons[2]
(1) | placebo/no treatment |
(2) | vaginal prostaglandin E2 |
(3) | intracervical prostaglandin E2 |
(4) | intravenous oxytocin |
(5) | amniotomy |
(6) | intravenous oxytocin with amniotomy |
(7) | vaginal misoprostol |
(8) | oral misoprostol |
(9) | mechanical methods including extra-amniotic Foley catheter |
(10) | membrane sweeping |
(11) | extra-amniotic prostaglandins |
(12) | intravenous prostaglandins |
(13) | oral prostaglandins, excluding misoprostol |
(14) | mifepristone |
(15) | oestrogens with or without amniotomy |
(16) | corticosteroids |
(17) | relaxin |
(18) | hyaluronidase |
(19) | castor oil, bath, and/or enema |
(20) | acupuncture |
(21) | breast stimulation |
(22) | sexual intercourse |
(23) | homoeopathic methods |
(24) | isosorbide mononitrate |
(25) | buccal or sublingual misoprostol |
(26) | hypnotic relaxation |