Physician
Camilla Mirian Hartvigsen
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Odense University Hospital
| Project management | ||
| Project status | Open | |
| Data collection dates | ||
| Start | 01.04.2025 | |
| End | 31.03.2026 | |
Induction of labor with a cervical ripening ballon catheter - a descriptive cohort study on obstetrics, maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Short summary
When an unripe cervix makes inducing labor by amniotomy impossible, the cervix can undergo medical - or mechanical ripening. The methods are equally effective and safe. From april 2025 Odense University hospital transitions to mechanical ripening with a cervical ripening balloon catheter, for all pregnant women at term GA 37+0-41+6, for all indications for induction. Data will be collected from the participants journals and both maternal, neonatal and obstetrical outcomes will be investigated.
Rationale
One in four pregnant women will be induced for labor, making induction of labor one of the most frequently performed obstric interventions. Labor is induced by performing an amniotomi i.e. breaking the waters, and if nessecary stimulating uterine contractions. If the cervix is unripe, it will not be possible to perform the amniotomi, and induction of labor will be preceded by either: 1) medical ripening, with a prostaglandin-analog; Angusta, or 2) mechanical ripening, with a cervical ripening ballon catheter. According to existing literature (Cochrane review and DSOG guideline) medical and mechanical ripening of cervix are equally effective and safe. The procedures have different advantages and disadventages. Medical ripening can be started right away, however it is most suitable as a day-time procedure due to intake of the medication every other hour. The cervical balloon ripening catheter is inserted into the cervical canal during a gynecological examination, day or night. The price of the cervical balloon ripening catheter is half of one single Angusta dosis. Until end of March 2025 the primary method of induction at OUH was Angusta. From april 2025 the primary method of induction at OUH is cervical ripening catheter. As induction of labor is associated with a higher risk of adverse obstetric outcomes it is reasonable to evaluate data on both maternal, neonatal and obstetric outcomes following this change in procedure of induction of labor. Data on the same outcomes have been evaluated from the period of primary induction with Angusta, therefore, it will be possible to compare the two methods and thereby achive a more aqurate, indiviualized, evidencebased recommendation for pregnant women awaiting induction of labor.
Description of the cohort
All pregnant women induced for labor at term, i.e from gestational week 37+0-41+6, including all indications for induction, at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Odense University Hospital.
Data and biological material
Data are assembled from patient journals, both mother and child.