Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vaginal misoprostol were more effective than oxytocin in bringing about vaginal delivery within 24 hours but were associated with more uterine hyperstimulation.

If labor is not progressing normally, doctors or midwives may intervene to augment or induce labor, sometimes by giving the mother intravenous synthetic oxytocin or by applying a hormonal gel ...