Propess® (Dinoprostone) vs. Balloon Strategy Compared for Labor Induction in Full-Term Singleton Pregnancy

Labour induction is a critical obstetrical procedure used to artificially initiate cervical dilation and uterine contractions, often necessary when spontaneous labour poses risks to the mother or fetus. While labour is typically physiologic, situations like term premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM) or dysfunctional labour in nulliparous women necessitate intervention. Current methods include mechanical approaches, such as dilatation balloons, and pharmacological agents like prostaglandins (e.g., dinoprostone) or oxytocin. The optimal strategy for induction, particularly in cases of a non-favourable cervix, remains a subject of controversy, impacting maternal satisfaction and infection risk.

This comparative randomized trial was designed to evaluate two distinct strategies for labour induction in full-term singleton pregnancies presenting with a non-favourable cervix. The study aimed to compare an induction strategy beginning with the Propess® method (dinoprostone, referred to as 'Dino-first') against a strategy initiating with the use of a dilatation balloon ('Ballon-first'). The trial adheres to usual clinical practice and current guidelines, focusing on nulliparous women with normal singleton pregnancies and cephalic presenting fetuses who provided consent. Specific details regarding the number of participants (n), exact dosing protocols for Propess®, or the type and duration of balloon use were not provided in this abstract.