Mechanical Methods for Induction of Labour

Publication Date: October 5, 2022
Last Updated: October 25, 2022

Recommendations

Balloon catheter is recommended for induction of labour (low-certainty evidence).
Remarks:
  • There are multiple induction methods, both pharmacologic and mechanical. The choice of induction method should be discussed in the context of antenatal care, and taking into consideration the values and preferences of the woman; the potential for fetal risks; and the availability and accessibility of the different methods in the particular setting.
  • As an induction method, the use of a balloon catheter for induction of labour may be particularly useful in situations where it would be beneficial to avoid uterine hyperstimulation, or when the use of prostaglandins is contraindicated.
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The combination of balloon catheter plus oxytocin is recommended for induction of labour (low-certainty evidence).
Remarks:
  • The GDG notes that most of the studies included in the systematic review defined the combination of balloon catheter plus oxytocin as concurrent use of balloon catheter and oxytocin, although the (sequential) use of balloon catheter followed by oxytocin is also in common use.
  • In general, there is a lack of evidence on combined methods; therefore, the GDG identified several research priorities.
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Mechanical Methods for Induction of Labour

Authoring Organization

Publication Month/Year

October 5, 2022

Last Updated Month/Year

August 9, 2023

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

Country of Publication

US

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Adult

Health Care Settings

Hospital, Outpatient

Intended Users

Healthcare business administration, nurse, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D000078463 - Child Labor

Keywords

labor, labour, childbirth, induction

Source Citation

WHO recommendations on mechanical methods for induction of labour. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.