Study of Castor Oil and Balloon Catheter Use to Help Start Labor in First-Time Mothers with Full-Term Pregnancy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether combining castor oil ingestion with an extra-amniotic single balloon catheter can shorten the time from labor induction to delivery in first-time mothers. This randomized controlled trial focuses on nulliparous women to determine if adding castor oil affects labor duration, other perinatal outcomes, and maternal tolerance to castor oil side effects. The trial seeks to address inconsistent findings on combining mechanical and natural methods for labor induction. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The study group drinks 60 ml of castor oil mixed with 140 ml of orange juice, followed 30 minutes later by insertion of a Foley catheter filled with 60 mL of saline above the cervical opening. The control group receives the Foley catheter insertion alone, without castor oil ingestion. Both groups undergo labor management according to standard protocols, including membrane rupture and oxytocin infusion if needed. During the study, researchers will monitor labor timing, balloon expulsion, delivery mode, maternal and neonatal health outcomes, side effects, and satisfaction with the delivery process. Assessments include fetal monitoring, Bishop scores, Apgar scores, blood tests, and complications up to 30 days after delivery. The total participation period covers labor and the postpartum hospital stay, with follow-up on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Castor Oil Ingestion and Balloon Catheter for Labor Induction in Nulliparous