Double‐balloon catheter for induction of labour: Rates of caesarean birth and outcomes when used beyond 12 and 24 h

Abstract

The double‐balloon (dB) catheter is commonly used for cervical ripening before induction of labour (IoL), and is the preferred method of cervical ripening when prostaglandin is contraindicated. Manufacturer's instructions contraindicate use beyond 12 h. There is limited published evidence to support this restriction. This study aims to describe the mode of birth and other maternal and neonatal outcomes where dB‐IoL was used beyond the timeframe recommended by the manufacturer.Retrospective observational study of patients undergoing dB‐IoL at a single tertiary unit. Mode of birth, maternal and neonatal birth outcomes were described for those where the balloon was in situ for 12–24 and >24 h, compared to those where the balloon was in situ for <12 h.Of 491 patients undergoing dB‐IoL, there were no observed differences in proportion undergoing emergency caesarean or composite maternal/perinatal adverse outcomes when dB‐IoL was continued beyond 12 or 24 h.dB‐IoL is often being performed outside the manufacturer's recommendation to limit use to 12 h. In our cohort, dB‐IOL for >12 and >24 h is not associated with a higher proportion of caesarean birth and does not appear to impose harm on the mother or baby.