Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:49
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Cervical ripening with the Foley catheter.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Insubria-Ospedale F. Del Ponte, Varese, Italy. antonellacromi@libero.it
Summary
Foley catheter cervical ripening is a safe method for inducing labor, with a negligible risk of maternal or neonatal infections. This study found low rates of chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and neonatal sepsis in patients undergoing this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Cervical ripening is crucial for labor induction in term pregnancies.
- The Foley catheter is a common mechanical method for cervical ripening.
- Evaluating maternal and neonatal outcomes is essential for assessing the safety of labor induction methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess maternal and neonatal outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing cervical ripening with a Foley catheter.
- To determine the safety and efficacy of Foley catheter use for pre-induction cervical ripening.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 602 patients undergoing Foley catheter cervical ripening was conducted.
- Patients with a Bishop score of 4 or less were included.
- Key outcomes included clinical chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and neonatal sepsis.
Main Results:
- 26.6% of women entered active labor without further intervention.
- The cesarean delivery rate was 25.6%.
- Maternal infections (chorioamnionitis, endometritis) and neonatal sepsis occurred at low rates (0.5%, 1.0%, and 0.7% respectively).
Conclusions:
- Transcervical Foley catheter use is a safe procedure for pre-induction cervical ripening.
- The risk of maternal or perinatal infections associated with Foley catheter cervical ripening is negligible.
- This method provides a safe option for labor induction.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
Equipment Required
01:26Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...