A comparison of four methods of ripening the unfavorable cervix

Abstract EN

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of four clinical methods used for ripening unfavorable cervix in Basra Maternity Hospital.

A prospective study was conducted to compare four methods of ripening the unfavourable cervix : Foley's catheter with extraamniotic saline infusion, Foley's catheter alone, Oxytocin, and Sweeping of membranes.

The clinical trial involved a total of (121) pregnant women (47 primigravidae and 74 multiparae).

The success rates in achieving cervical ripening were (100 %, 84.6 %, 75 %, and 54.5 % for primigravidae) and (100 %, 91.3 %, 88.8 %, and 64.7 % for multiparae) for method I-IV respectively.

Post-ripening Bishop's score was 6.9, 5.6, 4.6 and 4.1 for primigravidae & 7.3, 6.05, 5.6 and 4.4 for multiparae, for method I-IV respectively.

The mean priming time was shortest in method-I (6.1 in primigravidae and 5.7 in multiparae) and longest in method-IV (21.6 in primigravidae and 17.8 in multiparae).

The induction delivery internal was longer as we move from method-I toward IV.

The caesarean section rate was highest in method-III and the lowest rate was in method-I.

In conclusion, Foley's catheter with extraamniotic saline infusion was found to be the best method in comparison to the other three methods as it was safe, rapid, effective, inexpensive and requires little training for application.