Outcome of Induction of Labor with Foley's Catheter in Women with Previous One Cesarean Section with Unfavorable Cervix: An Experience From a Tertiary Care Institute in South India.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor in women with previous cesarean section is associated by the fear of scar rupture, resulting in high rates of repeat scheduled cesarean section. Mechanical methods are being advocated as a safe method. We present our experience of vaginal birth rates and safety profile with single-balloon Foley's catheter for induction of labor in women with previous one cesarean section.
METHODS: We studied 96 women admitted in Women and Children Hospital JIPMER, India, with a previous cesarean section at term having unfavorable cervix and undergoing induction of labor. Foley's catheter inflated to 60 ml was used for cervical ripening for 24 h followed by strict oxytocin infusion protocol.
RESULTS: The mean Bishop score before induction of labor was 3.3 ± 0.88. Ripening with Foley's catheter resulted in mean improvement in the Bishop score by 2.56 ± 0.67. Forty-seven percent women spontaneously expelled the Foley's catheter, and 53.1% achieved contractions spontaneously. The successful vaginal birth rate was 40%. Emergency caesarean section was more likely in women with poor post ripening Bishop score, meconium stained liquor and abnormal fetal heart rate pattern during labour. There was one scar dehiscence, one neonate with low Apgar score. There was no rupture uterus.
CONCLUSION: Induction of labor with Foley's catheter resulted in a 40% successful vaginal birth rate and was found to be safe with only one scar dehiscence and no perinatal or maternal mortality. There was no perinatal or maternal mortality. © Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India 2021.