| Abstract | Background:
Induction of labour is a common obstetric procedure. The incidence of labour induction has increased over the last decade. Both mechanical (e.g., Foley catheters) and pharmacological methods (e.g., prostaglandins E1)) are used for induction of labour in women with an unfavorable cervix.
Aim: To compare the efficacy of a dose of 25ug of Misoprostol vaginal tablets with that of trans-cervical Foley's catheter in induction of labour and the effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Setting: Labor ward at General Hospital at Minia City. Methods: Sample was recruited from first of December 2010 to the end of March 2011. Sixty (60) women were classified into two groups based on the method of induction; the study compared the two groups. Results: Induction-delivery time was similar between the two groups with no significant difference. Statistically significant differences were noted between groups in change in Bishop score, pre-induction and post-induction for Misoprostol and Foley's catheter groups. According to mode of delivery there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. As regard adverse neonatal outcomes, admissions to neonatal intensive care unit were 16.7%, 10% respectively for Misoprostol and Foley's catheter groups. Conclusion and recommendation: Induction of labor by trans-cervical Foley's catheter proved to be as efficient as Misoprostol vaginal tablets; yet it has the advantage of being a non pharmacological method that is relatively safe for both the mother and fetus. Its use can reduces the cost and complications of induction of labor effectively. Larger studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Key wards: Induction of labor, Misoprostol, Foley's catheter, maternal outcome, neonatal outcome.
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