Cervical Ripening With Foley Bulb Versus Dilapan-S at Home

A 16 F Foley catheter with a 30-mL balloon and stylet is inserted into the endocervical canal under direct visualization by sterile speculum exam or by digital palpation. The Foley catheter is advanced to or past the internal os, and the balloon is filled with 30-40 mL of sterile water. The catheter is then placed on genital traction by taping the end of the catheter to the medial portion of the thigh.

A bivalve speculum will be used to visualize and prepare the cervix with an antiseptic solution. The DILAPAN-S® (4 x 65 mm) will be inserted in the cervical canal until it traverses the internal os. As many dilators as needed to achieve the desired effect should be inserted. Specific number of pieces always depends on decision and clinical judgement of physician and indications. A gauze pad moistened with sterile water or saline may be inserted into the vagina to help keep the DILAPAN-S® in place, if needed