الفهرس 
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Abstract
Ripening of the cervix is a normal precursor to spontaneous labour (Stewart et al., 1983).
If labour is induced with amniotomy and oxytocin when the cervix is unripe, it may be protracted with an increased likelihood of caesarean section and birth asphyxia (Calder et al., 1977).
Gerneration of myomet.rial contractions, cervical ripening and initiation of parturition in women are regulated by a number of factors, of which prostaglandins appear to play a central role (Thorburn and Challis, 1979).
Prostaglandins are capable of stimulating myometrial contractions (Bygdeman, 1965; Brenner, 1975) and can cause cervical softeining and dilatation (Calder, 1979).
Treatment with prostaglandins during pregnancy can induce labour, and uterine contractility can be suppressed and gestation prolonged by the administration of drugs that inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis (Wiqvist, 1979).