What is the purpose of using a transcervical Foley catheter balloon?

The use of a transcervical Foley catheter balloon primarily serves to increase cervical ripening. This procedure involves inserting a catheter with an inflatable balloon into the cervix, where the balloon is then inflated to create pressure against the cervical tissues. The gentle pressure from the inflated balloon stimulates the release of prostaglandins, which are hormones that facilitate the softening and thinning of the cervix, also known as cervical ripening. This mechanism plays a crucial role in preparing the cervix for labor, enhancing the likelihood of successful induction or progression of labor when necessary.

This approach is particularly beneficial in cases where spontaneous labor does not occur and the patient's circumstances require induction. By effectively ripening the cervix, it supports the process of dilation, making it easier for labor to commence or progress when oxytocin or other methods of induction are subsequently used. Thus, the transcervical Foley catheter balloon method is a valuable tool in the management of labor, particularly in situations of need for cervical preparation.