A prospective pilot study of Dilapan-S compared with Propess for induction of labour at 41+ weeks in nulliparous...

The incidence of labour induction has risen worldwide over the past decade, and this may contribute to the rising caesarean delivery rate. The mechanisms for induction of labour are generally divided into two categories: mechanical and pharmacological.

The objective of this study was to determine if mechanical induction with Dilapan-S is an acceptable, safe method of induction of labour in post-dates uncomplicated nulliparous pregnancy.

This was a single-centre prospective observational pilot study trial. Fifty-two low-risk nulliparous women with an unfavourable cervix, scheduled for induction of labour for post-dates ≥ 41 weeks gestation, were offered induction of labour with Dilapan-S or Propess from May 2016 until November 2016. The primary outcomes measured were compliance to study protocol and maternal (infection, hyperstimulation) and neonatal outcomes (Apgar score at birth). The secondary outcome measures included change in Bishop's score and caesarean delivery rate.

Compliance to study protocol was 25/26 (96%); it was possible to insert Dilapan-S in all but one woman. There were no differences in maternal and neonatal primary outcomes between the groups. There were no cases in either arm of hyperstimulation with either induction method. No difference between the groups was noted in the caesarean delivery rate nor in the mean change in Bishop's score.

Dilapan-S is an acceptable, safe form of induction of labour in post-dates uncomplicated nulliparous pregnancy. No cases of hyperstimulation were found, and therefore, Dilapan-S may be a suitable option for outpatient induction of labour in low-risk post-dates nulliparas.