Oral misoprostol for induction of labour.

Prostaglandins are hormones naturally present in the uterus that cause contractions during labour. A synthetic prostaglandin analogue misoprostol is produced in tablets that can be given orally or vaginally, but it is not yet licensed for use in pregnancy. Unlicensed use of misoprostol in pregnancy is increasingly common, because misoprostol is cheap, stable at room temperature and effective in causing uterine contractions. Oral use of the drug misoprostol may be convenient, but high doses could cause uterine hyperstimulation and uterine rupture which may be life-threatening for both mother and fetus.