Other mechanical methods for pre-induction cervical ripening.
Pre-induction cervical ripening is an important part of the labor induction process in women with an unfavorable cervix. This can be achieved either by pharmacologic or mechanical methods of cervical ripening. While the Foley catheter is the most commonly used mechanical method for labor induction, other mechanical methods are also available. This article reviews the safety profiles of osmotic dilators, extra-amniotic saline infusion, double-balloon catheters, and also compares their efficacy to that of other mechanical and pharmacologic cervical ripening methods. While mechanical methods have been shown to be safe and effective for cervical ripening, none of these alternatives has been shown to be superior to the Foley catheter.
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL; Department of Obestetrics and Gynecology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA. Electronic address: danielle_e.durie@lvhn.org.
Danielle
D
Durie
Department of Obestetrics and Gynecology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA.
Aminatu
A
Lawal
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL.
Phillip
P
Zegelbone
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000187:drug effects; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D004106:Dilatation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061214:Patient Safety; D011247:Pregnancy; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010120:Oxytocics; D012965:Sodium Chloride
Double balloon catheter; Extra- amniotic saline infusion; Mechanical cervical ripening; Osmotic dilators