A study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth examines efficacy and pregnancy complication rates between Foley catheter and oral misoprostol labor induction. Misoprostol can be administered directly to the cervix, anally or orally. Researchers noted that oral misoprostol delivery causes fewer cases of asphyxia and hyperstimulation.
Researchers plan to pull participants from multiple birthing centers. Women must be pregnant with a singleton. The singleton must be in cephalic presentation. Membranes must be intact with an unfavorable cervix. Females will be asked to sign a consent form after which a computer randomization program will be used to determine if labor induction will take place with Foley catheter or oral misoprostol. Researchers will track pregnancy/labor complications, fetal complications, delivery method, cost and other factors. The trial plan is registered with the Trial Register in the Netherlands.
Source: Ten Eikelder ML, Neervoort F, Rengerink KO, Jozwiak M, de Leeuw JW, de Graaf I, van Pampus MG, Franssen M, Oudijk M, van der Salm P, Woiski M, Pernet PJ, Feitsma AH, van Vliet H, Porath M, Roumen F, van Beek E, Versendaal H, Heres M, Mol BW, Bloemenkamp KW. Induction of labour with a Foley catheter or oral misoprostol at term: the PROBAAT-II study, a multicentre randomised controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2013 Mar 19;13(1):67.