Comparison 2. Vaginal misoprostol ‐ 6‐hourly versus 12‐hourly dosing interval.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Vaginal birth not achieved in 24 hours	2	363	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.87 [0.62, 1.22]
2 Mean induction to birth interval	1	53	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	‐4.70 [‐11.19, 1.79]
3 Need for analgesia	3	416	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.10 [0.86, 1.42]
4 Blood loss > 500 mL	1	279	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.32 [0.30, 5.81]
5 Mean blood loss	1	53	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	85.0 [26.53, 143.47]
6 Need for blood transfusion	2	363	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.99 [0.18, 21.65]
7 Surgical evacuation of the uterus	3	416	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.87 [0.68, 1.13]
8 Nausea	1	279	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.74 [0.75, 4.01]
9 Vomiting	3	416	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.26 [1.09, 4.71]
10 Diarrhoea	3	416	Odds Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.17 [0.73, 1.86]
11 Pyrexia	2	363	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.81 [1.36, 2.42]