Comparison Between Propess (Dinoprostone Controlled Release Pessary) and Cook Double-balloon Catheter for Cervical Priming: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Participant is placed in lithotomy position, then to clean vulval and vaginal area, followed by inserting vaginal speculum. Cook double-balloon catheter will be inserted under standard technique. Doctor or midwife guide the cervical ripening balloon with stylet to pass through the cervix. Uterine balloon should be place above level of internal os, then to remove the stylet before further advancing the catheter. Cook double-balloon catheter is further advancing through the cervix until both balloons entered cervical canal. Uterine and vaginal balloons are both inflated with up to 80ml normal saline according to manufacturer recommendation. Maximal duration of balloon placement will be 12 hours. If cervix remains unfavorable after Cook double-catheter balloons, she will be given another Cook double-catheter balloons priming the next day. If cervix remains unfavourable after two balloon priming, elective Caesarean section will be advised.

Participant will be firstly confirmed reactive tracing and without regular contraction by non-stress test for 20mins. Propess will be checked its integrity and applied with lubricating jelly before insertion. Propess is inserted to the posterior vaginal fornix. Woman should inform medical staff if they have leaking sensation. After insertion, woman will be advised to lie down and perform non-stress test for 2 hours. Propess will be removed after 24 hours post insertion. Cervical assessment is performed the next day after removal of Propess. Patient with favourable cervix, i.e. Bishop score >= 7, will start artificial rupture of membrane and syntocinon infusion. Patient with unfavorable cervix, i.e. Bishop score <7 is arranged another day of priming by PGE2. If the cervix remains unfavorable after 2 days of pharmacological priming, women will be given a rest day or continued priming by Cook double-balloon catheter.