In this article:
What is Foley Bulb Induction?
A Foley bulb, also known as a Foley balloon or Foley catheter, is a simple method doctors use to help your body get ready for labour. It is basically a small tube with a balloon at the end. Your doctor gently places it through your cervix and fills the balloon with saline water. Once it is in place, the balloon sits just under the baby’s head and presses against the cervix to help it soften and open. This process helps target dilation from 1 to 6 centimetres, which marks the start of labour.
The best part is that this method does not always need any medicines to work, though doctors may sometimes use it along with other treatments if progress is slow.
When is a Foley Bulb Used?
Doctors usually recommend the Foley catheter induction of labour after 37 weeks, especially if the pregnancy has gone past the due date or if there are health concerns. It suits individuals over 18 carrying a single baby with intact membranes and the baby in a head-down position.
Your doctor may suggest it for reasons like excess amniotic fluid, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes. Sometimes it is also chosen if labour does not start naturally or if you live far from the hospital and want to avoid last-minute stress. The main aim of this method is to turn a cervix that is still hard and closed into one that is soft and open.
How Does Foley Bulb Induction Work?
Take a look at the step-by-step process of Foley catheter induction of labour:
- You will lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups.
- The doctor first monitors the baby’s heart rate for at least 20 minutes to make sure the baby is head-down and doing well.
- The perineal area is cleaned with a medical solution to keep things safe and sterile.
- A speculum may be used to gently widen the vagina so the doctor can see the cervix clearly.
- Using a thin catheter, the doctor carefully threads the tip past the cervix into the uterus. Sometimes, small forceps help guide it safely.
- The balloon at the end of the catheter is then filled with about 30 millilitres of sterile saline. This creates gentle pressure on the cervix, helping it soften and begin to open.
- The whole placement usually takes under 10 minutes. You may feel pressure similar to a pelvic exam.
- As the cervix dilates to about 3 to 5 centimetres, the balloon often slips out naturally.
- The pressure from the balloon also boosts your body's natural hormones like oxytocin and prostaglandins. These hormones help contractions to start and grow stronger.
- Full dilation for pushing is 10 centimetres. The Foley method helps you move from the early stage of labour toward that point.
What are the Advantages of Using a Foley Bulb?
The Foley bulb method is popular because it is simple and safe. Here's why:
- It does not require medicines in the first step
- The cervix often dilates within 12 hours
- Lower complication rates compared to many other methods
- Can be used safely after a previous caesarean section
- Can be combined with medicines for faster results if needed
- Low cost and widely available
What Are the Risks and Limitations of Foley Bulb Induction?
Foley catheter induction of labour is low-risk overall, but possible issues include:
- Infection or fever
- Unexpected changes in the baby’s heart rate
- Pain or nausea
- The bulb might fall out early or fail to dilate the cervix
Foley catheter induction of labour is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will recommend a different approach if you have placenta previa, an active genital herpes infection, or if the baby is in a breech position.
What Happens After the Foley Bulb Induction Procedure
After the Foley balloon is in place, the doctor continuously monitors the baby’s heart rate to decide the next steps. Some people may go home and wait for labour to begin, while others stay in the hospital if labour signs appear quickly.
Once the balloon falls out, the doctor reassesses the cervix. If contractions remain slow or do not start despite some dilation, additional induction methods may be used to help labour progress.
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual after the balloon is inserted:
- Heavy bleeding beyond light spotting
- Strong or painful contractions
- Waters breaking suddenly
- Baby’s movements decrease or stop
- Feeling sick, nauseous, or generally unwell
- Fever or signs of infection
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FAQs on Foley Bulb Induction: A Safe Way to Start Labour
- Can I move around during Foley bulb induction?
Yes, in most cases, you can change positions, sit, or walk a little. - Is Foley bulb induction suitable for multiple pregnancies?
No, Foley bulb induction is generally not recommended for multiple pregnancies due to higher risks.