Foley Catheter for Cervical Ripening Across Gestational Ages: A Retrospective Descriptive Study in a Resource-Limited...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Labor induction is a common obstetric intervention for maternal or fetal health concerns.
• Mechanical cervical ripening using Foley catheters offers a safe, cost-effective alternative to pharmacologic methods.
• Foley catheter use presents a lower risk of uterine hyperstimulation compared to prostaglandins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of Foley catheter use for cervical ripening across all three gestational trimesters.
• To assess induction time intervals, success rates, maternal morbidity, and neonatal outcomes.
• To provide data on Foley catheter efficacy when prostaglandins were temporarily unavailable.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective descriptive study of 104 patients at Mohammed VI University Hospital.
• Inclusion of patients from first (T1), second (T2), and third (T3) trimesters.
• Use of a 16-18-Fr Foley catheter with 50-60 mL saline for cervical ripening; oxytocin used in T3 post-catheter.

Main Results:

• 72.1% of patients initiated labor within 12 hours of catheter insertion.
• Induction success rates were 100% in T1 and T2, and 94.3% in T3.
• Low maternal morbidity with no reported deaths; 77.1% of T3 neonates had Apgar score ≥8 at five minutes.

Conclusions:

• Foley catheter mechanical induction is a feasible and safe strategy for cervical ripening in all gestational trimesters.
• This method is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings.
• The favorable safety and efficacy profile supports its continued clinical use.