VBAC with trans cervical Foley catheter: a boon or a bane

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of trans cervical Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor in women with previous cesarean section Introduction: Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is a method of achieving a successful vaginal birth in women with a history of prior cesarean section. Foley catheter balloon is the most commonly used mechanical device for labor induction, which is a mechanical dilator of the cervix and also stimulates release of endogenous prostaglandins from the fetal membranes. It is a very successful preinduction cervical ripening agent in women with previous caesarean section with an unfavourable cervix Method: prospective clinical observational study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh during 2019-2021. A total of hundred (100) pregnant women with previous cesarean delivery who had an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score  6) were included in the study. The data was analysed by statistical test using SPPS software version 25.0 Result: In our study maximum number of women were induced for hypertensive disorders. 58 % females had a successful vaginal delivery with minimal maternal and neonatal morbidity. Among those who underwent repeat cesarean section, the most common indication was fetal distress. Conclusion: Our study showed that trans cervical Foley catheter is a safe, effective and affordable method of cervical ripening and induction of labor in women with previous scarred uterus with very less maternal and neonatal morbidity. KEY WORDS Foley catheter, VBAC, TOLAC, labor induction