Early Amniotomy Following Transcervical Foley Balloon in the Induction of Labor

Amniotomy is commonly done in the management of labor, though there is little research guiding the timing of amniotomy. Recent research largely suggests a benefit to earlier amniotomy, reporting shorter labor courses with no increase in the number of cesarean deliveries. This is some research, however, that reports an increase in cesarean deliveries with early amniotomy. Due to the small number of studies evaluating this topic, as well as the conflicting results, more research is needed. Additionally, the method of cervical ripening prior to amniotomy should be accounted for, as it may have an impact on the overall labor course. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of early versus delayed amniotomy on time of delivery time from induction to the active phase of labor, as well on total time to delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes in women undergoing cervical ripening with the Foley balloon.