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Warning: You may not want your children to read some topics in this section. |
How is it done?
Arguments for and against a Foley's catheter
Possible reactions for mother and baby
Using a Foley's catheter to help induce a labour is an old (but often successful) mechanical method that can ripen and dilate the cervix. A Foley's catheter is a soft, rubber catheter that is normally used by caregivers to empty the bladder of urine. (When the catheter is inserted into the bladder, a small balloon in the end of the tube is inflated with water, to stop the tube from falling out.)
When the Foley's catheter is used to induce labour, the tip is placed into the opening of the cervix, and the balloon is gently inflated. This puts even pressure on the inside of the woman's cervix. The pressure is aimed at releasing local prostaglandins (that can ripen the cervix) and / or dilate the cervix to about 3 to 4 cms. In some cases the catheter will induce the labour contractions. However, often the waters need to be broken by the caregiver at some stage, for the labour to keep progressing until the actual birth.
Some countries will use a catheter that has been specifically developed for inducing labour. One is called the 'Atad double-balloon' catheter. This device has one balloon that is inflated inside the uterus (but outside the bag of waters) and the other is inflated inside the cervix. Sometimes traction is made (gentle continuous pulling) on the catheter to help dilate the cervix.
Another method that aims to work on similar principals is Laminaria tents. These are made from sterile seaweed (or synthetic materials) and are introduced into the opening of the cervix. They absorb moisture and gradually swell, to stretch (or dilate) the cervix.