COMPARISON OF THE OUTCOME OF FOLEY CATHETER PLUS PROSTAGLANDIN VERSUS PROSTAGLANDIN ALONE FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR IN WOMEN AT TERM PREGNANCY

Abstract

Background: Induction of labour is commonly performed in term pregnancies when continuation of pregnancy may increase maternal or fetal risk.

Objective: To compare the outcome of Foley catheter plus prostaglandin versus prostaglandin alone for induction of labour in women at term pregnancy. 

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DHQ Hospital, Sahiwal, from June 2025 to September 2025. A total of 116 women with singleton term pregnancy, cephalic presentation, gestational age 37–41 weeks, parity 1–4, and Bishop score <6 was included.

Results: The mean induction-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter in the Foley catheter plus prostaglandin group compared with the prostaglandin alone group, 11.42 ± 3.18 hours versus 15.36 ± 4.27 hours, respectively (p<0.001). Successful vaginal delivery was higher in Group A, 51 (87.9%), compared with Group B, 43 (74.1%). Failed induction was lower in Group A, 7 (12.1%), than Group B, 15 (25.9%), although the difference was borderline significant (p=0.059). Need for oxytocin augmentation was significantly lower in Group A, 29 (50.0%), compared with Group B, 41 (70.7%) (p=0.023). Maternal and neonatal complications were comparable between both groups. Conclusion: Foley catheter plus prostaglandin was more effective than prostaglandin alone for induction of labour in women at term pregnancy with an unfavourable cervix.