DBC + Misoprostol Most Efficient for Labor Induction but Increases Maternal Complications

Late- and post-term pregnancies (≥41 weeks) carry increased risks for both mother and fetus, including stillbirth, meconium aspiration, and macrosomia. When spontaneous labor does not occur, induction is often necessary, especially with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤6). Current methods, like mechanical cervical ripening with a double-balloon catheter (DBC) or pharmacological agents such as oxytocin and prostaglandins (e.g., dinoprostone, misoprostol), aim to prepare the cervix and initiate contractions. However, optimizing these strategies to balance efficacy (speed of delivery) with maternal and neonatal safety remains a critical clinical challenge, as different combinations can lead to varying outcomes and complication rates. This study addresses the need for comparative data on these combined approaches.