Pill vs. gel: which works better for starting labor?

NCT ID NCT04955847

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compared two drugs used to start labor in pregnant women at full term with an unfavorable cervix. One group received oral misoprostol pills, the other received vaginal dinoprostone gel or insert. Researchers tracked how many women delivered vaginally within 24 hours, as well as rates of C-sections and side effects. The trial included 706 women and has already been completed.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: misoprostol (oral) and dinoprostone (vaginal)
What this could lead to: If oral misoprostol proves as safe and effective as vaginal dinoprostone, it could offer a simpler, cheaper option for inducing labor.
What could go wrong: This is a single-center study comparing two time periods, not a randomized trial, so results may be influenced by other changes in care. The findings may not apply to all hospitals or patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CESAREAN SECTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CESAREAN SECTION INDUCTION OF LABOR VAGINAL DELIVERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU Amiens Picardie

Amiens, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.