The use of Foley's catheter in ripening the unfavourable cervix prior to induction of labour.

Foley's catheter was used to ripen the cervix prior to induction of labour in 21 primigravidae and the results compared with those obtained using 5 mg of prostaglandin E2 in vaginal gel in another group of 14 primigravidae. The improvement in cervical score and outcome of induction of labour was similar in both groups. There were no complications attributable to the use of these agents. Foley's catheter is easy to use, cheap and readily available.