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Maternal satisfaction with outpatient balloon catheter versus inpatient prostaglandin induction of labour: A randomised controlled trial in Aotearoa New Zealand

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known about women's satisfaction with induction of labour experiences in the context of randomised controlled trials, specifically those evaluating outpatient balloon catheter vs inpatient vaginal prostaglandins. OBJECTIVE: To determine satisfaction levels for women having induction of labour with outpatient balloon vs inpatient-prostaglandin. STUDY DESIGN: Online survey of maternal satisfaction with induction of labour at term within a multi-centre randomised controlled trial in Aotearoa-New Zealand comparing outpatient-balloon with inpatient prostaglandin induction. Outcomes were measured at four to eight weeks after birth. Analysis was chi-square and t-test for descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for free-text data. RESULTS: There were 821 participants. For women in the outpatient-balloon group, insertion pain was greater than expected compared to those in the inpatient-prostaglandin group (p = 0.01), however, overall pain was less than expected (p = 0.009). Women in the outpatient-balloon group were less tired at transfer to birthing suite (p < 0.001) and more likely to choose a future induction (p < 0.01) and by the same method (p < .0001). Themes from the free-text data provided by 514 participants were (1) Care and Support; (2) Pain and Discomfort; (3) Sleep and Rest, highlighting novel explanatory evidence of better pre-labour care, less pain and more sleep in the outpatient-balloon group. Information and choice on the induction process were lacking for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated greater satisfaction among women having outpatient-balloon induction of labour related to more pre-labour support at home and less pain and tiredness during labour. We encourage maternity hospitals to routinely offer outpatient-balloon induction of labour.

Source: Women and Birth

DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.101914

Authors: Robin S. Cronin, Michelle R. Wise, John MD Thompson, Jessica Wilson, Emilie Robertson, Billie F. Bradford

Institutions: University of Auckland, Health New Zealand, Monash University

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,613