Comparison 38. Any mechanical method and oxytocin versus prostaglandin E2 alone: all women (not pre‐specified).

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Uterine hyperstimulation with FHR changes	1	151	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.48 [0.55, 3.95]
2 Caesarean section	4	713	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.93 [0.72, 1.20]
3 Serious maternal morbidity or death	1	200	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.0 [0.0, 0.0]
4 Oxytocin augmentation	1	200	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.48 [1.95, 3.15]
5 Uterine hyperstimulation without FHR changes	1	151	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.19 [1.39, 3.46]
6 Instrumental vaginal delivery	1	41	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.35 [0.08, 1.58]
7 Meconium‐stained liquor	1	151	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.13 [0.43, 2.95]
8 Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes	1	151	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.96 [0.12, 71.55]
9 Neonatal intensive care unit admission	1	151	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.85 [0.30, 2.40]
10 Postpartum haemorrhage	1	151	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.14 [0.01, 2.68]
11 Endometritis	1	41	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.0 [0.0, 0.0]
12 Fetal distress	3	498	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.97 [0.61, 1.56]