To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of applying Misoprostol before artificial abortion for early pregnancy (≤42 days).

From January to June, 2008, 300 early pregnant women who choose artificial abortion were randomly and evenly divided into 3 groups. Group A (n=100) took Misoprostol 400 μg orally and group B were placed Misoprostol 400 μg transvaginally two hours before operation. Group C (control group, n=100) did not take Misoprostol. Informed consent was obtained from all participates. The incidence rate of adverse reactions and post-operative cervical adhesion, effects of cervical dilatation, bleed volume during operation, operative duration were compared between three groups.

The incidence rate of adverse reactions of group B was significantly lower than that of group A(P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the effects of cervical dilatation, bleed volume in operation, operative duration, and incidence rate of operative cervical adhesion between group A and B (P>0.05), however, there had significant difference between group A, B and group C (P<0.01).

Oral misoprostol 400 μg and vaginal misoprostol 400 μg could be a route administration applying for softening the cervix and facilitating cervix dilatation in artificial abortion of early pregnancy women. We recommend vaginal misoprostol because of less incidence rate of adverse reactions.