European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Introduction: Over the recent decades more & more pregnant women around the world have been undergoing induction of labor for the safe termination of their pregnancies. Numerous factors determine the success of induction- it depends on term or near term gestation, BISHOPS score of 5 or less, cervical ripening, maternal pelvis and fetal weight. .Although there are various methods of induction available including medical, surgical mechanical methods; the most effective & safest approach for a safe & timely delivery is not yet known & hence requires further research. This study has been conducted by combining mechanical method of induction –Foleys catheter with a medical method- misoprostol to utilize their additive effect to achieve a safe & timely delivery. Aims & Objectives: Primary Objective: To compare the time from induction to active phase & induction to delivery in induction of labor with a combination of Foley’s catheter followed by misoprostol with only misoprostol. Secondary Objective: To compare the maternal complications of labor induction & to assess the fetal outcome. Methodology: A Quasi Experimental Study including 50 patients in each group was done after satisfying the inclusion & exclusion criteria .Group A included induction with Foley’s catheter followed by misoprostol & Group B included induction with misoprostol alone .Time from induction  to active phase ,induction to delivery, outcomes of labor induction including improvement in BISHOP’s score, hyperstimulation, tachysystole, the cesarean section rates, & the neonatal outcomes including NICU admissions ,APGAR scores were recorded. Results: Maternal age, parity & gestational age ,and primary Bishops score were comparable in both the study groups. The time taken to progress to active phase was significantly shorter in Group A compared to Group B(7.4 versus 9.3).The mean induction to delivery time was also shorter with the combination of foley’s catheter & misoprostol(11 hours)when compared to misoprostol alone(13.7hours).In the present study it was noted that the rate of vaginal deliveries were significantly higher in combination method of induction. Cesarean section rates & fetal distress was found to be more in misoprostol group. There were no maternal or neonatal complications in both the study groups. Conclusion-Induction with Foley's catheter followed by misoprostol had a synergistic effect which resulted in shorter time to progress to active phase & lesser induction to delivery time with greater chances of vaginal delivery as compared to misoprostol alone.