Combination of foley catheter and vaginal misoprostol compared with vaginal misoprostol alone for cervical ripening and induction of labour

Karingula Sushmitha; M. Swarnalatha; T. Sahitiroyal

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263435

Authors

Karingula Sushmitha Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
M. Swarnalatha Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
T. Sahitiroyal Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263435

Keywords:

Cervical ripening, Misoprostol, APGAR, Induction of labour, Foley catheter

Abstract

Background: Induction of labour in women with an unfavourable cervix remains a common obstetric challenge. The addition of a transcervical Foley catheter may enhance cervical ripening through mechanical dilatation and endogenous prostaglandin release, thereby improving labour outcomes. This study compared the effectiveness and safety of Foley catheter combined with vaginal misoprostol versus vaginal misoprostol alone for cervical ripening and induction of labour in term pregnancies.

Methods: This prospective, comparative, hospital-based interventional study included 50 women with singleton term pregnancies, vertex presentation, intact membranes, and Bishop score ≤5. Participants were randomly allocated to vaginal misoprostol alone (n=25) or Foley catheter combined with vaginal misoprostol (n=25). Induction outcomes, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes were compared.

Results: The combination group had a significantly shorter induction-to-delivery interval (15.3±6.5 vs. 18.3±8.7 hours; p=0.03) and time to complete cervical dilatation (13.7±5.9 vs. 17.1±8.7 hours; p=0.03). Delivery within 24 hours was higher with combination therapy (80% vs. 64%). Birth weight, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions showed no significant differences.

Conclusions: Foley catheter combined with vaginal misoprostol effectively shortens labour induction without increasing maternal or neonatal complications and is a safe alternative to vaginal misoprostol alone.

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