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In this thesis two aspects of importance have been emphasized: The possibility of outpatient treatment with an NO donor for cervical ripening and labor induction, and the management of retained placenta by using a sequential adminstration of oxytocin and sublingual nitroglycerin. NO donors administered vaginally for cervical ripening and labor induction in postterm pregnancies seem to be effective, safe and well tolerated. Since NO donors do not cause uterine hypertonus the possibility to induce cervical ripening and labor in an outpatient setting arises.If future studies confirm that NO donors are safe and effective the outpatient procedure could prove to be an alternative strategy. The second aspect to emphasize is the possible effect of nitroglycerin on management of retained placenta. Future studies are needed to verify that the sequential combination of a uterotonic agent, oxytocin or PG, and a relaxing agent, e.g. nitroglycerin, is an efficient treatment regimen for detachment of retained placenta.

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Nitric oxide (NO) donors seem to be effective and safe in labor management involving cervical ripening, labor induction and placental detachment.

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