A prospective randomized comparative study of intra-cervical Foley's catheter insertion versus PGE2 gel for pre-induction cervical ripening

Background: The success of induced labor depends on the degree of ripening of cervix. Pharmacological preparations are in widespread use for cervical ripening but are not free from side-effects and complications. Mechanical methods, i.e. the use of Foley catheter balloon, though effective have not gained much popularity because of the fear of infection. Therefore, this study has been conducted to prove the efficacy and safety of extra amniotic Foley catheter balloon and to compare it with intracervical prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel. Aims and objectives: The success of induction of labor depends on the cervical status at the time of induction. Objective for effective cervical ripening both Foley's catheter and PGE2 gel are used. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra cervical Foley's catheter and intra cervical PGE2 gel in cervical ripening for the successful induction of labor. Methods: A randomized, prospective study was conducted in the Dept of OBGY, Krishna institute of medical sciences, deemed university Karad, from January 2011-December 2012. 400 patients at term with a Bishop's score