Early Amniotomy Versus Delayed Amniotomy Following Foley Catheter Ripening in Nulliparous Labor Induction

Artificially rupturing membranes

Foley catheter device is commonly used for cervical ripening during labor induction. It is used independently or in combination with pharmacologic augmentation. It is inserted in the cervix and the balloon is then inflated with 60 cc of saline. It is removed when either 1. it falls out under gentile traction during labor checks or 2. it is de-inflated at 12 hours after placement. If at the time of de-inflation at 12 hours, the desired affect has not been achieved, the provider may choose to place another foley balloon or use an alternative method of induction (misoprostol). This is an eligibility criteria and only patients who are undergoing induction with a Foley Catheter will be approached for enrollment.

Misoprostol is a medication that is commonly used for cervical ripening during labor induction. It is commonly used independently or in combination with mechanical methods, such as a foley catheter. The commonly used dose during term labor induction is 25 mcg. Use of this medication will be decided by the provider.