Vol. 8, Issue 8, Part D (2022)

Background: Induction of labor is an obstetric procedure in which termination of pregnancy is done at or after the age of viability by medical, surgical or combined method, with the purpose of initiation of labour and vaginal delivery. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol in combination with Foleys catheter with vaginal misoprostol alone for labor induction.

Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based comparative study done in pregnant women with a medical or obstetrical indication for induction of labor between the age group of 20-35 years. Total of 200 patients were included. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups Group A (Foleys + Misoprostol) and Group B (Misoprostol alone). Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed and statistical analysis performed.

Results: The induction to delivery time was shorter in Foleys with misoprostol group as compared to misoprostol group alone by 3.67 hours. There was no significant difference in the mode of delivery and maternal and fetal complications between the two groups.

Conclusion: The addition of Foleys catheterization to vaginal misoprostol has a synergistic effect and results in early cervical ripening and delivery.