Randomized control trial comparing hygroscopic cervical dilators to cervical ripening balloon for outpatient cervical ripening.

Background: Outpatient term preinduction cervical ripening with mechanical agents has been associated with reduced length of stay, decreased cesarean delivery rates, low maternal and neonatal complications, and increased incidence of vaginal delivery within 24 hours.

Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate equivalent efficacy between synthetic hygroscopic dilators and the single-balloon catheter for outpatient cervical ripening.

Study Design: This randomized control equivalence trial compared synthetic hygroscopic dilators with the 30-mL silicone single-balloon catheter in primiparous and multiparous patients undergoing labor induction.