Effect of maternal hydration on amniotic fluid volume.

Objective: To estimate the effects of maternal intravenous hydration on amniotic fluid volume in normal pregnancies.

Methods: Women undergoing an amniocentesis for the evaluation of fetal lung maturity before an elective cesarean delivery were eligible to participate. An amniotic fluid index (AFI) was obtained before the amniocentesis, and at the time of the amniocentesis the amniotic fluid (AF) volume was determined by diazo-dye reaction with subsequent spectrophotometric analysis of AF samples.

Oral or vaginal misoprostol administration for induction of labor: a randomized, double-blind trial.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and vaginal birth intervals after intravaginal or oral misoprostol for labor induction.

Methods: One hundred seventy-eight women were randomized to one of two double-blind groups: 1) oral misoprostol 200 microg and one-half tablet placebo intravaginal or 2) oral placebo tablet and one-half tablet of a 100-microg misoprostol intravaginal (dose 50 microg). Doses were repeated every 6 hours until labor was established (maximum of three doses).