A comparison study of propess and low position waterballoon used for pre-induction cervical ripening and labor induction

【Objective】To evaluate the effectiveness of continuously released prostaglandin E2(PGE2) suppository-propess and low position water-balloon used for pre-induction cervical ripening and labor induction in term pregnancy,and to compare their advantages and disadvantages.【Methods】One hundred nulliparous women at term were randomly divided into two groups,60 cases in propess group and 45 cases in water-balloon group.Bishop scoring of cervix,the time of labor starting,cesarean section rate and neonatal outcomes were compared between both groups;at the same time,side effects were investigated.【Results】Total effective rate of cervical ripening was 88.3% in propess group and 100% in water-balloon group with significant difference(P 0.05).The findings indicated that propess was more effective in improving the scores of cervical length and consistency,while water balloon was better at improving score of the cervical os dilatation during pre-induction cervical ripening(P 0.05).The total stage of labor was shorter in propess group(P 0.05).There was no significant difference between both groups in cesarean section rate,postpartum hemorrhage,fetal and neonatal conditions(P 0.05).【Conclusion】Both propess and low position water-balloon are effective and safe methods for pre-induction cervical ripening and labor induction.Patients can be selected for either of these ripening agents based on which cervical factors require improvement in scores.