Outpatient Foley Catheter Compared to Usual Inpatient Care for Labor Induction

The Foley catheter is a device used to achieve cervical ripening at the start of labor induction. It is a single balloon catheter placed transcervically by a provider, either digitally or using a speculum for visualization. The balloon is placed above the internal os but below the fetal head, amniotic membranes, and placenta and is inflated. In this study, it will be inflated with 60 cc of normal saline and taped to the patient's thigh for traction. Over several hours, the balloon gradually dilates the cervix. The catheter is typically expulsed when the cervix is 3-4 centimeters.

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue that is used for cervical ripening during labor induction. A 25 microgram tablet is placed in the vagina by a provider. A new 25 mcg tablet can be used vaginally every 4 hours for up to 6 total doses.