Induction of labour with a cervical balloon (Foley’s) catheter
Read our guide below about the induction of labour with a cervical balloon.
You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.
You’ve chosen to have your labour induced by cervical balloon catheter, also known as a ‘Foley’s induction’. Your midwife or doctor will have discussed the reasons why we need to induce your labour.
Our guide about the induction of labour with intact membranes will also explain what happens after the balloon is removed.
What is balloon induction?
It’s a mechanical form of labour induction. Balloon induction is currently the only method used for outpatient induction of labour. This is because mechanical methods labour induction have the least chance of over stimulating the uterus and causing too many contractions (uterine tachysystole).
The procedure involves a soft silicone tube also known as a catheter inserted into the neck of your womb (cervix). It has a balloon near the tip. When it’s in place the balloon is filled with a sterile saline (salt water) fluid. The catheter stays in place for up to 24 hours, with the balloon putting gentle pressure on your cervix. The pressure should soften and open your cervix enough to start labour or to be able to break the waters around your baby.
If you’re suitable for outpatient induction of labour, you can go home while the catheter is in place. We’ll give you a time to attend the maternity triage for removal of the catheter in 24 hours. If it falls out before this time, call maternity triage and we’ll ask you to come in for assessment.
Who is balloon induction suitable for?
It’s for anyone having induction of labour, if you choose to have this method. We don’t use a balloon induction if the membranes have already ruptured.
How does balloon induction work?
The balloon rubs against and stretches the neck of the womb (cervix) to produce a hormone called prostaglandin. The prostaglandin causes the cervix to become shorter and soften (ripening). This prepares the cervix for labour and allows your midwife or doctor to break your waters.
Sometimes, the release of hormones as the cervix is stretched is enough to trigger your waters to break naturally and for labour to begin.
How is the balloon catheter fitted?
First we’ll trace the baby’s heart to check the heart rate to make sure everything’s ok. We’ll then do a vaginal exam with your consent. This allows us to assess your cervix in preparation for the balloon to be inserted.
An instrument called a speculum may be introduced into the vagina to help in the process.
We’ll insert the catheter through the cervix and gently fill the balloon with water to apply pressure to the walls of the cervix. If you find the process uncomfortable, you can ask for gas and air for pain relief.
How long does it take?
The balloon catheter stays in place for up to 24 hours. It then either drops out of the cervix or we remove it. At this point, it should be possible to break your waters.
Are there any risks or complications?
Inserting the balloon into the cervix is uncomfortable, but not normally painful. There’s a small risk of infection and if we suspect this, we’ll re-assess you and change your care plan.
Going home after insertion of the Foley catheter
When you’re at home you can do things as you would normally, for example, showering, bathing or walking.
You must avoid sexual intercourse.
After going to the toilet, wash your hands and make sure the catheter is clean.
Call Maternity Triage on 01296 316103 if you have:
- bleeding
- contractions
- concerns about baby’s movements.
You should also call them if:
- you feel unwell
- the waters around baby break
- the balloon falls out.
A midwife will talk to you and tell you what you need to do.
What if the balloon doesn’t work?
We’ll discuss an alternative method and a plan to continue induction with you if the:
- cervix isn’t dilated enough for the balloon to be inserted
- balloon doesn’t soften the cervix enough for your waters to be broken.
In some cases, you may need a caesarean section. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
More information
Talk to your doctor or midwife about induction of labour and all other aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.
Read the national guidance on inducing labour from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.
Useful numbers
Antenatal Clinic, Stoke Mandeville
01296 316140
Antenatal Clinic, Wycombe
01494 425569
Labour Ward/Triage, Stoke Mandeville
01296 316103
This information explains some of the most common side-effects that some people may have. But it’s not an exhaustive list. If you experience other side-effects and
want to ask anything else related to your treatment, contact your community midwife or the Stoke Mandeville Hospital Labour Ward on 01296 316103.
More help or advice
Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01296 316042 or bht.pals@nhs.net
Reducing associated healthcare infections
Find out how you can help to reduce healthcare associated infections when visiting hospital