DELIVERY OUTCOMES FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR USING INTRACERVICAL FOLLEYS FOR PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS ONE LOWER SEGMENT CAESAREAN SECTION

Abstract

Background: Rising caesarean rates have increased the need for safe labour induction in women with previous one LSCS. Conflicting evidence on intracervical Foley catheter outcomes prompted this study to evaluate its safety and delivery outcomes.

Objective: To determine delivery outcomes in terms of successful VBAC in pregnant women presenting at a tertiary care hospital, with previous one lower segment C-section with the use of intracervical folley in induction of labour.

Duration: Six months w.e.f. 02-09-2024 to 01-03-2025.

Methodology: A total of 189 women who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad, after providing informed written consent. Demographic and clinical data were carefully recorded. Labour was induced using a size 18 intracervical Foley catheter, which was inserted past the internal cervical os and inflated with 30–60 cm³ of sterile water. The catheter was retained for up to 24 hours unless it fell out spontaneously. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Among 189 women with prior LSCS, mean age was 28.5 ± 4.0 yrs, with 64% aged 18-30 yrs and 36% aged 31-40 yrs. A total of 126 women achieved VBAC and 63 required emergency CS. Stratification by age, gravidity, parity, delivery interval, BMI, education, SES, and residence showed no significant differences (all p>0.05).

Conclusion: Induction of labour using intracervical Foley catheter in women with one previous LSCS achieved a 66.7% VBAC rate. All evaluated maternal and demographic factors showed no significant impact, confirming Foley induction as an effective option.