Comparing two methods for inducing labor in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction

Prostaglandins Versus Trans-Cervical Balloon for Induction of Labor in Fetal Growth Restriction: a Multicenter Open-label Randomized Trial

NA · University Hospital, Bordeaux · NCT05674487

This study is testing whether using a balloon to help start labor is better than using medication for women with babies that aren't growing well, to see if it leads to fewer C-sections and healthier babies.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment774 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux (other)
Locations1 site (Bordeaux)
Trial IDNCT05674487 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two cervical ripening methods, trans-cervical balloon and prostaglandins, in women with fetal growth restriction. The primary objective is to determine whether the trans-cervical balloon method results in a lower cesarean section rate without increasing neonatal morbidity. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the trans-cervical balloon or prostaglandins for labor induction. The study addresses a significant gap in current guidelines regarding the optimal induction method for this high-risk population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women over 18 years old with singleton gestation and fetal growth restriction, indicated by specific ultrasound measurements.

Not a fit: Patients who have contraindications to labor induction or a history of previous cesarean deliveries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer labor induction practices for women with fetal growth restriction, potentially reducing cesarean delivery rates and improving neonatal outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While some retrospective studies suggest advantages of the trans-cervical balloon over prostaglandins, this trial is among the first to rigorously compare these methods in the context of fetal growth restriction.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 18 years
* Singleton gestation, with cephalic presentation
* Gestational age at randomization between entre 34 weeks of gestation and 0 day and 41 weeks of gestation and 0 day
* Fetal growth restriction (FGR). FGR is defined at the third trimester by an abdominal circumference below the 10th centile and/or an estimated fetal weight below the 10th centile (according to local curve), according to the trial DIGITAT. Fetus with normal and abnormal Doppler index can be included.
* Plan for induction of labor whatever the indication (fetal growth restriction or other), the induction of labor is the induction of birth by vaginal delivery
* Bishop Score below 6
* Affiliated or beneficiary to a health security system
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to an induction of labor
* History of previous cesarean delivery, myomectomy by laparotomy or laparoscopy
* Contraindication to misoprostol or trans-cervical balloon
* Known HIV positivity (because of modified delivery plan)
* Known major fetal anomaly or chromosomic anomaly
* Fetal demise
* Patient under legal protection
* Poor understanding of the French language

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Fetal Growth Restriction, Fetal growth restriction, Cesarean section, Induction of labor, Cervical ripening, Neonatal morbidity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.