Induction of Preterm Vaginal Delivery at 20 to 28 Weeks Gestation in Previous One Lower Segment Caesarean Section by Foley Catheter

OBJECTIVE- The aim of the study to assess the maternal outcome and safety of induced preterm vaginal birth after a previous one lower segment caesarean delivery. METHODOLOGY - In this study, 50 women who had singleton pregnancies with a previous one term lower segment caesarean section, in whom induction of labour was required in between 20 to 28 wks of gestation, were included. All 50 women were induced by Intracervical foley catheter and then progression of labour was monitored. Cases were evaluated in terms of induction delivery interval, efficacy and safety. RESULTS In our study all women were delivered vaginally and hysterotomy was not required. The mean induction delivery interval in Foley catheter group was 20.183.34 hrs. There was no case of uterine rupture. CONCLUSION - Women with previous lower segment caesarean section in whom premature induction of labour is required for any reason can be done easily, safely and effectively by using intracervical foley catheter without maternal morbidity. It has short induction delivery interval, low complication, low cost. Hence, I suggest that every woman with previous one lower segment caesarean section who requires premature induction should go for trial of labour before repeat caesarean section.