Double balloon catheters: a promising tool for induction of labor in multiparous women with unfavourable cervices.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of oxytocin and cervical ripening balloon in women with unfavorable cervices for inducing labor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total of eighty pregnant women between 37-41 gestational weeks having singleton pregnancies and intact membranes with unfavorable cervix were randomized in two groups, cervical ripening balloon (n=40) and oxytocin infusion (n=40). The primary outcomes were the labor time and the route of delivery. Secondary outcomes were the effect of parity on time of labor, obstetric and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS: The median time to delivery was 9,45 hours in cervical ripening balloon and 13,2 hours in oxytocin group in multiparous women. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). Median time until delivery was 11.48 hours at cervical ripening balloon group and 13,46 hours at oxytocin group; the differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). Cesarean delivery ratios were similar in both groups (p=0.431).

CONCLUSION: The results of the present study were promising for balloon usage especially in multiparous women. It is beneficial to support these data with wide ranged population based studies.