A foley bulb induction is one of many ways to get labor going. This technique can be used when it is medically necessary to deliver soon or when an elective induction is the client's next step. For whatever reason you are choosing to induce, let's talk about what the Foley bulb does, how it works, risks and benefits, and what to expect.
What It Is & How It Works
The foley bulb is like a catheter, and it is inserted vaginally up through your cervix. This process can be painful, depending on how dilated you are. The catheter has a balloon-like end that sits right below your baby's head and right on top of your cervical opening. Your care provider will inflate the Foley bulb with a saline solution, putting pressure on your cervix and encouraging it to dilate. Typically, the foley bulb falls out somewhere between 4-6cm of dilation. In most cases, the Foley bulb takes around 12 hours to fall out, and after the Foley bulb falls out, active labor usually starts within 12-24 hours, but often, it will also need medical intervention to get going.
When Is It Used?
The foley bulb is best used when the cervix is unfavorable for induction. If you are choosing to induce, this might be a good time to mention that if your cervix is unfavorable, waiting is often the best answer here. But let's say that it is medically indicated you should have your baby soon, and your cervix just is not quite ready. In this circumstance, the foley bulb is a great way to get things going, is much less invasive, and is gentler than some commonly used techniques. The good news is that the Foley bulb works to induce 70% of the time.
The Benefits & Risks
The benefits of doing a Foley bulb induction are that it is a medication-free option, it dilates the cervix in about 12 hours for most people, it is VBAC friendly, there are low rates of complications, it can be given in conjunction with inducing medication, and in some cases, you can go home with it in.
As with any induction technique, it does come with some risks. These risks include developing an infection, changes in fetal heart tone that are unsafe, pain and discomfort, early rupture of membranes, and the Foley bulb not working. The Foley bulb induction technique is not recommended for individuals with placenta previa, active genital herpes, and breech babies.
As with any birth intervention, you must weigh out whether or not the Foley bulb induction technique feels suitable for you and your baby. Remember, you are the professional of your body and your baby. As you work with the care provider you hired and trust, make sure that a shared decision-making conversation occurs and that you are making a choice after receiving all the information available.
