Foley catheter for opening the cervix: types and sizes

The Foley catheter for opening the cervix is often used for artificial stimulation of labor. It is a popular medical device, which, in fact, is a tube with a can.

Practice of application

The Foley catheter for opening the cervix was actively used in medical institutions several decades ago. Today, its popularity is declining. Nowadays, modern doctors increasingly use it during childbirth. The fact is that lately a lot of other techniques have appeared that have proved to be more effective and effective.

However, in some cases it is used today. The Foley catheter for opening the cervix is administered only in a hospital hospital. Without professional knowledge and skills here is indispensable. Of course, there are women who give birth to themselves, which independently insert this device at home. However, it must be remembered that in the first place such self-activity is dangerous for preserving the life of your child.

What are these cases when the baby will be born just this catheter?

Types of catheters

The Foley catheter is an uncomplicated medical device consisting of a tube and a can. Due to its smooth surface it is installed without pain and problems, although unpleasant sensations, most likely, can not be avoided.

At the same time, such a smooth surface excludes the possibility of multiplication of bacteria and unwanted organic substances. These microorganisms simply have nothing to catch on.

The most common Foley catheter for opening the cervix consists of a balloon, which, symmetrically swelling, guarantees a tight fixation. At the entrance there is a plastic valve, through which the solution enters into the maternity body. The valve is tightly closed using a special spring. This system eliminates the possibility of deflation.

The catheter also includes a cylindrical tip and connector. The latter looks like a funnel, very durable, it can not be twisted. All this ensures a qualitative connection of the device with the neck of the uterus, the longest in time.

The manufacturer paid attention to the packaging of the device. You can get it, once again without touching it, which ensures sterility and minimal risk of getting different infections.

Beforehand, be sure to study the instruction, but not to use the device yourself, but that you are more comfortable with the procedure, knowing exactly what the doctor will do at each stage.

Dimensions of catheters

The Foley catheter for opening the cervix is classified by size. Which one to choose for you - it is easy to determine using the color of the tap, used to inflate the balloon. With his help, the doctor determines what kind of Foley catheter you need. Dimensions, a table with the appropriate parameters are available to midwives.

The most popular device is a two-way catheter number 18. However, the doctor can choose another tool - it all depends on the individual characteristics of the female body. The main thing is not to do it yourself.

Types of catheters

In order to determine which catheter is needed, the doctor needs to perform a thorough examination of the cervix of the woman in labor.

The most popular Foley 2-way catheter is considered a classic obstetrics. Its main difference is the presence of only one channel. On it goes both injection, and the introduction of drug solutions into the main balloon. The choice of material depends on the joint decision of the obstetrician and the mother in childbirth, but experts strongly recommend using silicone. He has a number of undeniable advantages.

First, it is chemical inertness, as well as thermal stability. Secondly, hydrophobic properties, the absence of surface tension. And most importantly, compatibility with all body tissues and eliminating the risk of adverse reactions. Including allergic.

True, this catheter also has a significant drawback. This is its significant high cost. Other similar medical devices are much cheaper.

Three-way catheter

Experienced obstetricians in difficult cases advise to stop their choice on another medical instrument. Use a three-way Foley catheter to open the cervix.

In this case, a separate channel is used, which greatly facilitates the work of the doctor and the course of the delivery process. Through this channel special medications are introduced into the cervix of the uterus, which can significantly facilitate the course of labor.

Female catheter

Another popular medical device is a female catheter. Its length is not as large as that of previous samples. Due to this, the risk of trauma is minimal. When there is a serious danger of damage to the organs, the preparation of the cervix for delivery is carried out using this particular catheter.

Be sure to consult a specialist, choosing a catheter before childbirth. If you decide to purchase it yourself, you risk getting a device that will not have any effect on stimulation of the cervix. In extreme cases, it is likely to cause injury to both the baby and his mother.

Indications for use

If no labor activity is observed in the physician-assigned term, the Foley catheter will stimulate delivery. The decision is made by the doctor. Medical indications for such a measure are as follows.

Pregnancy lasted for 10 days or more, the mother has serious cardiac diseases, as well as a number of other health problems - diabetes, gestosis.

Also, the preparation of the cervix for childbirth with the help of the Foley catheter begins when the mother is exhausted, the cervix is still not disclosed, although the delivery has already begun. There is a weak labor activity, too large a fetus, polyhydramnios, premature infusion of amniotic fluid.

In the case when other methods of stimulation of labor are contraindicated, the doctor decides to introduce the Foley catheter. The birth after this should be more successful, the cervix should open.

Contraindications

However, not all mothers are recommended this catheter, there are a number of contraindications. They are mainly associated with diseases.

This is any vaginal infection, as well as rupture of the fruit bladder.

Danger can also occur with cervicitis or vaginitis. Do not use the Foley catheter with prenatal internal bleeding or low placenta previa.

In all of the above cases, the catheter can only cover the course of labor. Especially, one should be afraid of the risk of infection of the fetus, therefore obstetricians use other methods to stimulate the opening of the cervix.

How does the procedure work?

Awareness will best protect you from unnecessary worries. Therefore, if you know that you will be administered a Foley catheter, the instructions for use should be carefully examined. So you will clearly know what your doctor is doing at each stage.

Usually this procedure does not take much time. The biggest disadvantage is the severe pain with the introduction and the discomfort experienced because of this. If the doctor does the procedure not the first time, then the catheter installation will pass very quickly.

First, an obstetrician evaluates all indications and contraindications for the procedure. The surface of the vagina is treated with a disinfectant solution. Special sterile mirrors are attached.

Holding the catheter with a clamp, the obstetrician leads it into the cervix. The main thing at this time is to place the inflatable balloon above the inner throat.

Next, a syringe is taken for 10 milliliters, with it the balloon is inflated to the desired size. This is the principle of the action of the catheter. A cylinder of water raises the tone and motor skills of the woman in the womb, he presses on it and opens it.

Even more effective method, if the doctor at the same time enters the interior of the fruit bladder physiological solution through a special tube.

On a special ribbon, the catheter is attached from the inside of the thigh. At this time, the remaining tube is folded into a ring and placed in the vagina until the fights begin. But not more than a day. If these measures did not help, the generic activity should be stimulated with oxytocin.

If the contractions begin, the Foley catheter (the instruction for use insists on this) should be deleted. Urgently call the doctor. He will put a special syringe in a cylinder and with his help pull out all the liquid. After the tube is pinched by a special clamp and gets out of the vagina. Be sure to entrust this action to a medical professional by removing the catheter yourself, you can pour water or saline into the vagina. This, most likely, will provoke an infection.

It is worth remembering that the Foley catheter is significantly different from the usual urinary tool. They are used in a similar way, however, in the case of a catheter, the outcome of birth can depend on the correct operation.

As a rule, such a device does not lie at home, but only in a hospital ward, when delivery is about to begin. However, even being surrounded by medical personnel, knowing how to use and care for the catheter will not hurt.

Care of the catheter

Any doctor, before putting a catheter, is obliged to explain how to live with him patient the next few hours. The detailed information is also in the instruction, there it is described in detail how to apply the Foley catheter. Dimensions, a table on which you can choose the best, is also there.

In order to avoid complications, you must carefully monitor all the time for the device. Implement the rules of care under everyone's power.

The catheter and the skin around it should be disinfected. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. The risk of infection is very high. Remember, however, that you can not wash the area directly around the instrument tube.

Make sure that the catheter balloon does not fall out prematurely. Put on a spacious underwear, best cotton, which will not constrain movements. Do not allow the tube to bend or contract.

If the mother is experiencing discomfort with the catheter, such as burning, chills, pain in the abdomen and back, this should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Possible complications

When using a catheter, certain problems may occur. Here are the most common ones.

Most complications arise because the balloon drops out prematurely from the vagina. However, the desired effect is not achieved. With this development of events, the device is replaced, or a fundamentally different method is used.

Cylinders fall that leak. This means that the integrity of the valve is broken. The device needs to be replaced.

The balloon is inside when the birth activity has already begun. The catheter needs to be urgently removed, having resorted to the help of medical workers.

The woman in labor experiences severe pain when the catheter is inserted. It can be neutralized with anesthetics.

Reviews

Today this device is rarely used. There are more effective and risky methods. But if you still use this device, you should not worry. In the hospital, you are not in danger. An experienced physician will easily perform the procedure using a Foley catheter. Feedback from patients should calm future mothers.

The majority of patients note that thanks to this medical device, labor was able to cause a maximum of 12 hours. As a rule, stimulation of labor is prescribed, when all terms of delivery have already passed. Usually at 38-39 weeks.

True, it is not always possible to achieve the desired result. In some cases, contractions caused by the catheter are weakened, and may even disappear altogether. In this case, you have to resort to surgery.