Comparison of two volumes for extra-amniotic Foley catheter balloon inflation at preinduction of labor cervical ripening in nulliparae

Abstract

Background: The success of induction of labor is dependent on how favorable the cervix is and the unripe cervix thus remains a well-recognized impediment to the successful induction of labor. Objective: The objective is to compare the efficacy of 50 ml versus 30 ml fluid inflation of Foley catheter balloon for cervical ripening in postdate nulliparous women billed for induction of labor. Materials and Methods: A comparative analytical study with randomization involving 88 nulliparous women with postdated pregnancy requiring cervical ripening prior to induction of labor was carried out from January 1, 2018, to August 31, 2018. They were randomized into Group A consisting of women who had 50 ml (study) and B who received 30 ml (control). Bishop score was assessed 12 h later. Data were entered into a pro forma and analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package 20. Results: A total of 88 patients participated in the study. A statistically significant higher mean change in Bishop score was observed in the study group when compared to the control group (5.6 ± 2.5 vs. 3.1 ± 1.6,P= 0.0001), and the difference was statistically significant. Similarly, 41 (93.2%) patients in the study group had a favorable cervix post-ripening, while in the control group, 30 (68.2%) patients had a favorable cervix (P = 0.003). More of the control group had repeat Foley catheter insertion compared to the study group (31.8% vs. 6.8%,P= 0.008). Conclusion: The use of 50 ml of fluid to inflate Foley catheter balloon for cervical ripening improves Bishop score better than the smaller volume of 30 ml.