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Abstract
Background:
Prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) at term is a common obstetric condition associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal infections, particularly when there is a delay between membrane rupture and delivery. Induction of labour is often recommended to reduce infectious morbidity; however, the choice of induction method remains controversial. Mechanical methods such as the intracervical Foley catheter have gained attention due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and lower risk of uterine hyper stimulation.
Objective:
To compare the frequency of maternal infections in females with PROM at term (≥37 weeks) induced with an intracervical Foley catheter versus those managed expectantly.
Methodology:
This case-control study will be conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi over a period of six months. A total of 200 pregnant females with PROM at term will be enrolled using a simple random sampling technique. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group undergoing labour induction intracervical Foley catheter and the other managed expectantly. Baseline investigations including total leukocyte count (TLC), C-reactive protein (CRP), urine detailed report, and high vaginal swab will be performed. Participants will be monitored for signs of infection during labour and followed for up to two weeks postpartum. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 21, and outcomes will be compared between both groups.
Results:
It is anticipated that induction of labour intracervical Foley catheter will not significantly increase the risk of maternal infection compared to expectant management and may reduce the duration between PROM and delivery.
Conclusion:
Intracervical Foley catheter is expected to be a safe and effective method for labour induction in PROM at term, particularly in low-resource settings, with no significant increase in maternal infectious morbidity.