Midwives magazine: October/November 2008
The Cook cervical ripening balloon can be used for mechanical dilation of the cervical canal before labour induction. It is designed to gradually dilate the cervix and facilitate labour induction. Ripening and dilation is accomplished by inflatable balloons injected with saline, which, the manufacturer says, safely ripens and dilates the cervix without the use of drugs. It adds that the silicone balloons also adapt to the contours of the cervix and are easily placed and quickly removed.
A pack of ten balloons costs £500 and can be obtained from Cook via email: womenshealth@cook.ie or Tel: 020 7365 4183.
