Pre-induction Cervical Length Research Articles

The effect of preinduction cervical length measurement with three different ultrasonographic methods on predicting delivery time.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preinduction cervical length (CL) measurement by transvaginal (TV), transperineal (TP), and transabdominal (TA) ultrasonography (USG) on the time of delivery and to compare these three sonographic methods in terms of superiority over one another. This study included TV, TP, and TA CL measurements in pregnant women who were planned to undergo induction of labor at 37 weeks' gestation or later. The correlations between the said three methods and BISHOP scores were evaluated. These three methods were compared in terms of superiority in predicting the time of delivery. Pregnant women at 37-42 weeks' gestation undergoing labor induction were included, and all three methods were used for CL measurements. Three methods were correlated with each other (p < 0.001) and with BISHOP scores (p < 0.001). The correlation between all three methods and BISHOP scores indicates that TP and TA USG can be used instead of TV USG. On the other hand, while TA USG did not give a clear result in the accurate estimation of vaginal delivery time, TP, and TV USG gave both accurate and close results. When all these data are evaluated, it is concluded that TPU can be used safely instead of TVU, especially in patients receiving induction.

The Effect of Ultrasound-Measured Preinduction Cervical Length on Delivery Outcome in a Low-Resource Setting

Background Induction of labour is not without risk, and it calls for a method that will be sensitive enough to predict successful labour induction. Aim This study aims to evaluate the role of transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length measurement at term in the prediction of successful induction of labour (IOL). Materials and Methods This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki between 1st of July and 30th of November 2015. Preinduction Bishop score and cervical length were assessed before induction of labour. Intracervical, cervical, extraamniotic Foley catheter was used to improve the Bishop score. The data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results The mean maternal age of the study group was 30.68 ± 6.38 years with a range of 19–43 years. The mean gestational age and parity were 39.57 ± 1.49 and 1.85 ± 0.63, respectively. All the women studied had successful induction of labour with mean induction delivery time of 8.1 ± 3.0 hours and mean duration of labour of 7.4 ± 2.9 hours. Preinduction cervical length is a good predictor of a short duration of labour (P = 0.001). Parturient with a preinduction cervical length of less than 3 cm was likely to have labour lasting less than 6 hours (RR = 4.20 (95% CI 1.85–9.529). Conclusion Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length provides a useful prediction of the likelihood of duration of labour following the induction of labour. It is recommended that IOL should be considered and success anticipated in a parturient with a cervical length less than 3 cm.

P06.01: Prediction of the outcome of labour in induced prolonged pregnancy by transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length

Induction of labour is an intervention to artificially initiate uterine contraction leading to progressive dilatation and effacement of cervix and birth of the baby. The traditional method of predicting a successful vaginal delivery in induced labour is based on Bishop Score. This is subjective and had shown a poor predictive value of Bishop Score for the outcome of induction. The objective of this study was to correlate the preinduction cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) with the mode of delivery. This study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for one year. One hundred pregnant women with prolonged pregnancy planned for induction of labour were included. Cervical length was measured by TVS prior to induction of labour. The primary outcome was the mode of delivery. The mean age was 23.84±4.56 years. Among 100 patients, 53% had vaginal delivery and 47% had Caesarean section. Primigravida were 63 and 37 were multigravida. On the basis of cervical length, the patients were divided into two groups. One group with cervical length ≤25mm and the other group with cervical length >25mm.There were 54 patients with cervical length ≤25mm and 46 patients with cervical length >25mm. There was a significant correlation between cervical length and mode of delivery with p<0.001.Those who had cervical length ≤25mm, 77.7% had vaginal delivery and 22.3% had Caesarean section. Among those who had cervical length >25mm, 23.9% had vaginal delivery and 76.1% had Caesarean section. There was also significant association of parity with cervical length. Comparing multigravida with primigravida with cervical length ≤25mm, 82.7% versus 72% had vaginal delivery. Similarly comparing multigravida with primigravida with cervical length >25mm, 37.5% versus 21% had vaginal delivery. Cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasound can predict the outcome of induced labour in prolonged pregnancy. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Can uterocervical angles successfully predict induction of labor in nulliparous women?

PurposeInduction of labor is a common practice in obstetrics. In recent years, a newer ultrasonographic parameter called the uterocervical angle (UCA) has been identified as a predictive tool for births. Our purpose is to investigate the role of UCA in predicting successful induction of labor. MethodsThe nulliparous term pregnancies (n:150) were grouped into successful/failed inductions of labor based on their progress into the active phase of labor after the administration of prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone). The pre-induction cervical length (CL) and UCA were compared in the two groups. The study population was further grouped according to their modes of delivery and pre-induction UCAs were compared among the subgroups. ResultsThe mean UCAs were not significant among the successful induction and failed induction groups (105.46 ± 20.54 degrees in the successful group and 110.57 ± 13.46 degrees in the failed group). However, UCAs significantly varied among the modes of delivery subgroups. The median UCA was significantly higher in patients who delivered vaginally after a successful induction of labor than in patients who delivered via cesarean section. The median UCA value was lowest in patients who had a successful induction of labor but ended up having a cesarean section (Fig. 2). Further, the duration of the active phase of labor negatively correlated with the UCA but not the CL (rho=-0.23, p = 0.02). There was also a negative correlation between the CL and the UCA in patients who delivered vaginally after successful induction of labor (rho= −0.21, p = 0.03). ConclusionThe UCA is a promising ultrasonographic marker in obstetrics. Although the pre-induction UCA did not predict the outcome of labor induction, patients with broader pre-induction UCAs were prone to have a shorter duration of active phase. The pre-induction CL and UCA are inversely corraleted in nulliparous women who delivered vaginally after a successful induction of labor.

Successful induction of labor: prediction by preinduction cervical length, angle of progression and cervical elastography.

To examine the potential value of preinduction cervical length, cervical elastography and angle of progression (AOP) in prediction of successful vaginal delivery and induction-to-delivery interval. This was a prospective study in 99 women with singleton pregnancy undergoing preinduction ultrasound assessment at 35-42 weeks' gestation. Cervical length, elastographic score at the internal os and AOP were determined. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between cervical length and both AOP and elastographic score. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which of the maternal characteristics (cervical length, AOP, elastographic score) were significant predictors of vaginal delivery and induction-to-delivery interval. Vaginal delivery occurred in 66 (66.7%) cases and Cesarean delivery was performed in 33 (33.3%) cases. There were significant correlations between cervical length and both AOP (r = - 0.319) and elastographic score (r = 0.368). Significant independent prediction of vaginal delivery and induction-to-delivery interval was provided by nulliparity and cervical length, with no additional significant contribution from electrographic score or AOP. In women undergoing induction of labor, AOP and elastographic score at the internal os are unlikely to be useful in prediction of vaginal delivery and induction-to-delivery interval.

Effect of cervical length on second trimester pregnancy termination

To evaluate the value of sonographic measurement of cervical length as a predictor of abortion or delivery within 24 h by misoprostol in second trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP). One hundred and sixty-three women underwent TOP between 14 and 26 weeks of pregnancy due to various indications. The primary outcome was abortion within 24 h. Cervical length was measured before transvaginal administration of misoprostol. The effects of cervical length, total misoprostol dose, parity, and gestational age at diagnosis on successful TOP were evaluated. One hundred and sixty-three women were eligible who met the inclusion criteria. TOP occurred in 80.5% of patients within 24 h. Parous women had shorter prolonged induction to expulsion period over 24 h (14.1% vs 28.6%, P = 0.061). Total misoprostol dose and history of abortion were parameters that affected induction to delivery period (P = 0.002 and P = 0.041). Using an optimum cutoff of 36 mm, 58.2% sensitivity and 68.2% specificity were obtained. In addition, positive and negative predictive values were 85.36% and 33.3%, respectively. Pregnant women whose preinduction cervical length was shorter than 36 mm had a shorter induction time and needed a lower total misoprostol dose to achieve TOP than women with a cervical length longer than 36 mm (P = 0.027 and P = 0.011, respectively). Transvaginal measurement of cervical length before administration of prostaglandin analogue was not correlated with successful TOP within 24 h. It cannot be used as a predictor in light of our findings.

Digital and Transvaginal Ultrasound Cervical Assessment for Prediction of Successful Labor Induction

Abstract Objective To compare the values of preinduction transvaginal cervical length measurements and Bishop score to predict successful labor induction. Methods A prospective, observational trial of nulliparous women undergoing labor induction. Inclusion criteria were gestational age between 36 and 42 weeks, singleton cephalic presentation of the fetus, and intact membranes. Preinduction cervical ripening was performed using 25 μg intravaginal misoprostol (PGE1), repeated every 4 h, up to a maximum of 3 doses. Induction was subsequently continued by oxytocin and amniotomy. Results A total of 43 women met the inclusion criteria. Mean preinduction cervical length for women with successful or failed labor induction was 26 mm (95% Confidence interval [CI], 27–32) and 34 mm (95% CI, 33–38), respectively ( P = 0.002). Mean Bishop scores for successful and failed induction groups were 5.4 (95% CI, 5.2–6.2) and 3.1 (95% CI, 2.8–3.5), respectively ( P = 0.003). Conclusion Digital examination and transvaginal ultrasound of the cervix predict successful labor induction with reasonable accuracy.

Transvaginal measurement of cervical length in the prediction of successful induction of labour

SummaryA total of 100 women with gestational ages of 34–42 weeks requiring induction of labour were consecutively recruited in a prospective study at the Medical College and Hospital, Baroda, India. The aim of this study was to determine the value of transvaginal measurement of cervical length in the prediction of successful vaginal delivery within 24 h. Induction of labour was carried out with Tab Misoprostol (25 μg). A Bishop's score and sonographic cervical assessment were performed prior to induction. Univariate and logistic regression analyses was used. A pre-induction cervical length measurement on TVS was an independent predictor of successful vaginal delivery. At ≤3 cm cervical length, the probability of a LSCS was <30%, while with 4 cm cervical length, the probability became >75%. One unit increase in cervical length increased the probability of LSCS by 45%. The cervical length measurement by TVS is therefore an independent predictor of successful labour induction and performs better than Bishop's score as a method of pre-induction cervical assessment.

Digital and transvaginal ultrasound cervical assessment for prediction of successful labor induction

Objective To compare the values of preinduction transvaginal cervical length measurements and Bishop score to predict successful labor induction. Methods A prospective, observational trial of nulliparous women undergoing labor induction. Inclusion criteria were gestational age between 36 and 42 weeks, singleton cephalic presentation of the fetus, and intact membranes. Preinduction cervical ripening was performed using 25 μg intravaginal misoprostol (PGE1), repeated every 4 h, up to a maximum of 3 doses. Induction was subsequently continued by oxytocin and amniotomy. Results A total of 43 women met the inclusion criteria. Mean preinduction cervical length for women with successful or failed labor induction was 26 mm (95% Confidence interval [CI], 27–32) and 34 mm (95% CI, 33–38), respectively ( P = 0.002). Mean Bishop scores for successful and failed induction groups were 5.4 (95% CI, 5.2–6.2) and 3.1 (95% CI, 2.8–3.5), respectively ( P = 0.003). Conclusion Digital examination and transvaginal ultrasound of the cervix predict successful labor induction with reasonable accuracy.

Ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length in predicting mode of delivery after oxytocin induction

This study was conducted to explore the value of transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length measurement, in addition to gestational age, maternal age, parity, Bishop score, and weight of the newborn, in predicting the mode of delivery in pregnancies in which labor is induced with oxytocin at or beyond the 40th gestational week. A total of 73 pregnancies at 40 to 42 weeks of gestation were included. After labor was induced, 29 women delivered vaginally and 44 underwent cesarean section. These groups were compared with respect to possible predictive parameters of delivery outcomes. Student t test, Pearson's correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical evaluation. Mean preinduction cervical length was 26.8+/-9.9 mm in the vaginal delivery group and 34.2+/-8.1 mm in the cesarean section group (P<.05). Mean maternal age, parity, and Bishop score were significantly higher and mean weight of the newborn was significantly lower in the vaginal delivery group. Cervical length measurements showed a significant negative correlation with Bishop scores (r=-.584; P<.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that Bishop score (likelihood ratio=.472; 95% confidence interval=.338-.658; P<.05) and weight of the newborn (likelihood ratio=1.002; 95% confidence interval=1.00007-1.003; P<.05) were significant independent predictors of the route of delivery. According to the results of this study, maternal age, parity, Bishop score, cervical length, and weight of the newborn all might affect the mode of delivery after labor induction. Bishop score, although a subjective measure, must be considered an important component of preinduction evaluation.

A way to lend objectivity to Bishop score

SummaryThe aim of this study was to explore the possibility of utilising pre-induction cervical length assessment by trans-vaginal ultrasound to improve the predictive value of the Bishop score. The idea of this paper has evolved following our prospective study, which was designed to compare the pre-induction objective assessment of the cervix by ultrasound with the subjective one by Bishop Score. The Bishop scores of the 104 women included in the study were modified by replacing the digital assessment of the cervical length by ultrasound cervical length measurements. There was a significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001) between the median of the original and the modified Bishop scores. The original Bishop score showed insignificant association (p > 0.05) with the induction-delivery interval (IDI) and the mode of delivery while the modified score showed a significant association (r = 0.31, p < 0.05) with mode of delivery and a highly significant one (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001) with the IDI. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the optimised cut-off value for prediction of vaginal delivery was >5 for the original Bishop Score and >3 for the modified one. At those optimised cut-off values, the original Bishop Score predicted vaginal delivery with a sensitivity of 23% (95% CI; 14.6%, 33.2%) and specificity of 88.2% (95% CI; 63.5%, 98.5% while the modified Bishop score predicted vaginal delivery with a sensitivity of 62% [95%; CI 51 – 72.3] and specificity of 82% [95%; CI 56.6 – 96]). In conclusion, the modified Bishop score is better than the original one in predicting the IDI and the success of induction of labour. The sensitivity of the Bishop score in predicting the rate of vaginal delivery has been improved significantly following the modification.

Models for the prediction of successful induction of labor based on pre-induction sonographic measurement of cervical length

Objective. To examine the effect of pre-induction cervical length, parity, gestational age at induction, maternal age and body mass index (BMI) on the possibility of successful delivery in women undergoing induction of labor.Methods. In 822 singleton pregnancies, induction of labor was carried out at 35 to 42 + 6 weeks of gestation. The cervical length was measured by transvaginal sonography before induction. The effect of cervical length, parity, gestational age, maternal age and BMI on the interval between induction and vaginal delivery within 24 hours was investigated using Cox's proportional hazard model. The likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 hours and risk for cesarean section overall and for failure to progress was investigated using logistic regression analysis.Results. Successful vaginal delivery within 24 hours of induction occurred in 530 (64.5%) of the 822 women. Cesarean sections were performed in 161 (19.6%) cases, 70 for fetal distress and 91 for failure to progress. Cox's proportional hazard model indicated that significant prediction of the induction-to-delivery interval was provided by the pre-induction cervical length (HR = 0.89, 95 % CI 0.88–0.90, p < 0.0001), parity (HR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.98–2.88, p < 0.0001), gestational age (HR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.07–1.2, p = < 0.0001) and birth weight percentile (HR = 0.995, 95% CI 0.99 – 0.995, p = 0.001), but not by maternal age or BMI. Logistic regression analysis indicated that significant prediction of the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 hours was provided by pre-induction cervical length (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.84–0.88, p < 0.0001), parity (OR = 3.59, 95% CI 2.47–5.22, p < 0.0001) and gestational age (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.07–1.32, p = < 0.0001) but not by BMI or maternal age. The risk of cesarean section overall was significantly associated with all the variables under consideration, i.e., pre-induction cervical length (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.06–1.11, p < 0.0001), parity (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.17–0.38, p < 0.0001), BMI (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.24–2.74, p = 0.0024), gestational age (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.98, p = 0.0215) and maternal age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.0192). The risk of cesarean section for failure to progress was also significantly associated with pre-induction cervical length (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.14, p < 0.0001), parity (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.15–0.43, p < 0.0001), gestational age (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.96, p = 0.0097) and BMI (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.27–3.37, p = 0.0036).Conclusion. In women undergoing induction of labor, pre-induction cervical length, parity, gestational age at induction, maternal age and BMI have a significant effect on the interval between induction and delivery within 24 hours, likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 hours and the risk of cesarean section.

Preinduction Sonographic Measurement of Cervical Length in Post-Term Nulliparous Women with Low Cervical Score: A Pilot Study

Fragestellung: Es werden die Messergebnisse sonographisch gemessener Zervixlängen vor der Geburtseinleitung in einer Gruppe Erstgebärender mit niedrigem Bishop-Score nach Überschreitung des Termins als Prädiktor für das Misslingen der Geburtseinleitung untersucht.

The value of ultrasound in the prediction of successful induction of labor.

To examine the value of pre-induction sonographic assessment of cervical length, posterior cervical angle and occipital position in the prediction of the induction-to-delivery interval within 24 h, the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h, the likelihood of Cesarean section and to compare sonographic assessment with the Bishop score. In 604 singleton pregnancies, induction of labor was carried out at 35-42 weeks of gestation. Immediately before induction, transvaginal sonography was performed for measurement of cervical length and posterior cervical angle and a transabdominal scan was carried out to determine the position of the fetal occiput. The value of occipital position, posterior cervical angle, cervical length, parity, gestational age, maternal age, and body mass index (BMI) on the induction-to-delivery interval within 24 h, the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h and the likelihood of Cesarean section were investigated by Cox proportional hazard model or logistic regression analysis. Vaginal delivery occurred in 484 (80.1%) women and this was within 24 h of induction in 388 (64.2%). Cesarean section was performed in 120 (19.9%). Occiput-anterior (OA) and transverse (OT) positions were analyzed as one group as the odds ratios (OR) and the HR were similar and different from occiput-posterior (OP), which was analyzed as another group. Prediction of the induction-to-delivery interval was provided by the occipital position, pre-induction cervical length, parity and posterior cervical angle. Prediction of the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h was provided by the occipital position, cervical length, posterior cervical angle and BMI. Prediction of the likelihood of Cesarean section was provided by the occipital position, cervical length, parity, maternal age and BMI. In the prediction of vaginal delivery within 24 h, for a specificity of 75%, the sensitivity for ultrasound findings was 89% and for the Bishop score it was 65%. The respective sensitivities for Cesarean section were 78% and 53%. In women undergoing induction of labor, significant independent prediction of the induction-to-delivery interval within 24 h, the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h and the likelihood of Cesarean section are provided by pre-induction cervical length, occipital position, posterior cervical angle and maternal characteristics. Sonographic parameters were superior to the Bishop score in the prediction of the outcome of induction.

Preinduction Sonographic Measurement of Cervical Length in Prolonged Pregnancy: The Effect of Parity in the Prediction of Induction-to-Delivery Interval

In prolonged pregnancies, inducing labor reduces perinatal mortality compared with expectant management, but approximately 1 in 5 women who are induced require cesarean delivery. The preinduction Bishop score does not accurately predict whether induced labor will result in successful vaginal delivery. Measuring the length of the cervix by transvaginal sonography (TVS) offers an objective means of estimating the chance of vaginal delivery taking place within 24 hours. The influence of parity on the relationship between preinduction cervical length and the interval from induction to delivery was examined in 382 singleton pregnancies in which labor was induced at 41 + 3 to 42 + 1 weeks gestation. TVS was carried out before inducing labor with dinoprostone in either pessary or gel form. The study included 192 nulliparous and 190 multiparous women with median cervical lengths of 18 and 16 mm, respectively. Cesarean section was done for fetal distress in 71 cases and for failure to progress in 34 others. It was performed within 24 hours.

Pre-induction sonographic measurement of cervical length in prolonged pregnancy: the effect of parity in the prediction of the need for Cesarean section.

To examine the effect of parity on the relationship between pre-induction cervical length and the risk of Cesarean section in women undergoing induction of labor for prolonged pregnancy. In 382 singleton pregnancies, induction of labor was carried out at 41 + 3 to 42 + 1 weeks of gestation. The cervical length was measured by transvaginal sonography before induction. In 71 of these cases a Cesarean section was required for either fetal distress or failure to progress and 311 women delivered vaginally. The effect of parity and pre-induction cervical length on the risk of Cesarean section was examined. In nulliparous women the incidence of Cesarean section was significantly higher than in multiparous women (28.1% vs. 8.9%). In both nulliparae and multiparae there was a significant association between pre-induction cervical length and the rate of Cesarean section. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cervical length and parity provided significant independent prediction of all Cesarean sections and Cesarean sections for failure to progress. The odds of Cesarean section increased by about 10% with each increase of 1 mm in cervical length, over the mean cervical length of 20 mm for nulliparae and 18 mm for multiparae, and the odds was about 75% lower in multiparae, compared to nulliparae with the same cervical length. Receiver-operating characteristics curves (ROC) demonstrated that cervical length was better than the Bishop score in the prediction of all Cesarean sections (area under ROC = 0.72 vs. 0.68) and Cesarean sections for failure to progress (area under ROC = 0.76 vs. 0.69). In women undergoing induction of labor for prolonged pregnancy, cervical length and parity provide significant independent prediction of the likelihood of Cesarean section.

Pre-induction sonographic measurement of cervical length in prolonged pregnancy: the effect of parity in the prediction of induction-to-delivery interval.

To examine the effect of parity on the relationship between pre-induction cervical length and the induction-to-delivery interval and rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h in women undergoing induction of labor for prolonged pregnancy. In 382 singleton pregnancies, induction of labor was carried out at 41 + 3 to 42 + 1 weeks of gestation. The cervical length was measured by transvaginal sonography before induction. Univariate analyses were performed by constructing Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the induction-to-delivery interval for various subgroups, and comparing these using log rank tests. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model and multiple linear regression. Successful vaginal delivery within 24 h of induction occurred in 67% of the women and the pre-induction cervical length was significantly associated with the induction-to-delivery interval and the rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h. Sonographically measured cervical length was better than the Bishop score or cervical length by vaginal examination in predicting the outcome of induction. Parity provided a significant independent contribution, in addition to pre-induction cervical length, in the prediction of the outcome of labor. Thus, in multiparae the incidence of successful vaginal delivery within 24 h of induction was about 30% higher than in nulliparae. For the same cervical length, the induction-to-delivery interval in multiparae was 37% lower than in nulliparae. In women undergoing induction of labor for prolonged pregnancy, cervical length and parity provide independent prediction of induction-to-delivery interval and the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h of induction.

P291b: Induction of labour: cervical length measurement beside misoprostol or dinoproston?is it a reliable factor both for patients and their obstetrical team?

The rate of pregnant women undergoing an induction of labour is increasing. Objective methods such as cervical length measurement may help to time the induction to delivery interval. The aim of the study was to compare preinduction cervical length with the prediction of a delivery within 24 hours with two different prostaglandins. Prospective randomised trial of misoprostol and dinoproston for induction of labour. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, gestational age 37—42 weeks, no previous caesarean section and signed informed consent. The study was approved by the local ethic committee. Assessment of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasound was performed immediately before induction. For statistical analysis the t-test (SPSS) were used. Preliminary 50 out of 100 women were included. Mean of parity (0.58), age, (31.1 y), gestational age (41.06), birthweight (3691 g) and cervical length (28.12 mm) were did not differ significantly in both groups. Vaginal delivery within 24 h occurred in the group with a cervical length of 0–28 mm in 69% (misoprostol) and in 35% (dinoproston). In the group with a cervical length of 29–50 mm, 54% (misoprostol) vs. 33% (dinoproston) delivered within 24 h. No significancy between any pair of these values was found. The value of 28 mm as a predictor for vaginal delivery within 24 hours after induction of labour with our preliminary data cannot yet be recommended. Misoprostol is more efficient than dinoproston and therefore the selection of the inducing agent is more important than the preinductional cervical length.