Balloon

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether starting the process of labor in the office with a cervical balloon results in a shorter length of time from admission to delivery and therefore lower costs of hospital care. We also wish to determine whether the rates of vaginal birth after labor induction are similar whether the process of induction is started in the office vs. the hospital.

If you agree to participate in the study, you will be scheduled for a study visit in the LVPG Maternal Fetal Medicine office (3900 Hamilton Boulevard, Suite 201, Allentown PA) the morning of your planned labor induction for randomization. You will have an ultrasound to confirm your baby is head down and that the amniotic fluid around your baby is normal.  A 20 minute non stress test will be performed to confirm your fetal heart rate is normal. If your blood pressure and fetal testing are both normal, you will be randomized (selected by chance) to either receiving the balloon catheter in the office or in the hospital once you are admitted to for your labor induction.

-If you are selected into the outpatient group, you will then undergo placement of the cervical balloon and subsequently discharged home, with clear instructions on when to return to the hospital to continue your induction of labor.

-If you are selected into the inpatient group, you will be admitted to labor and delivery unit where you will undergo placement of the cervical balloon and subsequently remain inpatient for remainder of the induction.