Foley Bulb With Low Dose Pitocin Versus Foley Bulb With a Standard Incremental Infusion Protocol for the Induction of Labor

A Randomized Comparison of Foley Bulb With Low Dose Pitocin Versus Foley Bulb With a Standard Incremental Infusion Protocol for the Induction of Labor

The purpose of this research study is to compare induction of labor using a foley catheter bulb with a low dose of oxytocin versus a foley catheter bulb with an increasing dose of oxytocin. A foley catheter bulb with or without oxytocin is a common method of labor induction in patients whose cervix is not significantly dilated or thinned out (effaced). Oxytocin (pitocin) is a medicine used to increase the number and strength of the womb's contractions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a singleton pregnancy
2. Term pregnancy (> 37 weeks gestation)
3. Age ≥ 18 years
4. Bishop score < 5
5. Contractions < 6/hr
6. Reassuring fetal heart tracing

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Rupture of membranes
2. Antepartum bleeding
3. Fetal death
4. Placenta previa or low lying placenta
5. Active genital herpes infection
6. Previous use of an induction or preinduction agent during the current pregnancy
7. EFW >4500 grams
8. Non reassuring fetal testing
9. Inability to pass foley through cervix
10. Prior cesarean section