Induction of Labour with a Double Balloon Catheter – Comparison of Effectiveness of Six Versus Twelve Hours Insertion Time: a Prospective Case Control Study

INTRODUCTION: Induction of labour is a common obstetric procedure to initiate or augment contractions when labour is delayed or uncertain. The double balloon catheter is a safe and effective mechanical method for cervical ripening during induction of labour. This study evaluates the effectiveness of reducing double balloon catheter insertion time from 12 to 6 hours. METHODS: 248 women undergoing induction with a double balloon catheter at term were divided into two groups: catheter placed for 12 hours at 8 pm in the first half of 2021 (P12) and catheter placed for 6 hours at 7 am in the second half of 2021 (P6). T-tests, chi-squared tests, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical analysis. Primary and secondary endpoints included induction to delivery interval, prostaglandin to delivery interval, mode of delivery, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The P6 group had a significantly reduced induction to delivery interval of 558 min (P6: 1348 min, P12: 1906 min, p < 0.01, 95% CI: 376–710) within demographically comparable groups. Multiparous women also showed a significant reduction in prostaglandin to delivery interval of 260 min (P6: 590 min, P12: 850 min, p = 0.038, 95% CI: 9–299). There were no significant differences in mode of delivery, maternal blood loss, or neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Reducing double balloon catheter placement time from 12 to 6 hours resulted in almost 9 hours less induction to delivery interval without adverse effects on maternal and neonatal outcome.