Comparison of Vaginal Misoprostol Alone versus a Combination of Vaginal Misoprostol and Intracervical Foley Catheter for Inducing Labor.

Background & Objective: Inducing labor is a common practice in obstetrics to prevent maternal and fetal complications. There are several methods of labor induction, including pharmacological and mechanical approaches. The objective of this study was to determine the most effective approach for labor induction. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study at Al-Kadhimiya Teaching Hospital compared labor induction in pregnant females at their third trimester using Misoprostol & Foley Catheter (group A) and Misoprostol alone (group B). The study collected data on maternal age, gestational age, BMI, time frames, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes such as Apgar scores and ICU admissions. Results: In a cross-sectional study comparing labor induction with Misoprostol & Foley Catheter (group A) vs. Misoprostol alone (group B), most females in both groups had no cesarean section inductions, normal vaginal deliveries, and no complications. The study found significant differences in BMI, time frame, and time for ripening between the two groups, with group A having lower values for these variables. Conclusion: Foley's with vaginal misoprostol results in a shortened time between induction and delivery than misoprostol alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]