Summary A method of extra‐amniotic prostaglandin administration to achieve ripening of the cervix as a preliminary to induction of labour is described. Compared with a control group the method achieved a 25 per cent reduction in the length of the induced labour, a fall in the incidence of maternal pyrexia and fetal distress, an improvement in neonatal condition of the infants and a reduction in the need to resort to Caesarean section.

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SummaryProstaglandin E2 was administered by continuous extra‐amniotic infusion to induce labour in 40 patients between 38 and 42 weeks' gestation. Induction was successful in all cases. The mean induction‐delivery interval was 9.8 hours. There were no apparent harmful effects to mother or child.