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Balloon Induction, Advice?

Answered 5 years ago

I’m being induced “using the balloon” next week. Both doctor and hospital haven’t given me any information other than what time to get to the hospital. Despite asking for information I’ve been rushed through face to face appointments and off the phone when I’ve called. Can anyone shed some light on what to expect?


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ANSWER
5 years ago
My midwife gave me an information sheet on induction methods last week. It basically says the balloon method is just the first stage of induction and it’s aim it to soften your cervix ready for labour. The pressure from the balloon on your cervix helps to soften it and the balloon can stay in for up to 12 hours, but will often fall out earlier as your crevice starts to open. It lists a couple risks 1. Increased risk of infection 2. Increased risk of bleeding from the cervix. My midwife said it’s the preferred method now and has fewer risks than the prostaglandin gel they used to use a lot.
Sorry I don’t have first hand experience with being induced, but it’s something that’s being discussed as I’m having some minor complications with my pregnancy and they think Bub will need to come a bit early.
Good luck with your birth and I hope you have an easy one without complication.

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REPLY
5 years ago
Meant to add keep your legs crossed until they give you the information. You have to consent to any procedure and if they haven’t given you the appropriate information then you can’t be expected to give your informed consent. Keep pushing your midwife and obstetrician until they listen to you.

ANSWER
5 years ago
I had one because I had pre-eclampsia- midwives fed a tube up into my cervix then inflated two small balloons with water, one inside my cervix and one outside. They then pulled down on it and taped it to my leg to put downward pressure on my cervix, then told me to go to bed. Within about 4 hours I had dilated to 3cms and the balloon fell out. The midwives broke my waters the next morning, my contractions started pretty soon after that and I had the baby about 5 hours later. I did eventually need a drip to help things along as my contractions were taking too long to become regular, but my experience with the actual balloon was fine- not overly painful, just a little uncomfortable.

ANSWER
5 years ago
I had one and it was a total nightmare. NEVER AGAIN, same as what a lot have said on here. If there is anyway you can avoid it i would! I will keep my fingers crossed that your bub arrives before you go in for the induction.

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REPLY
5 years ago
Unfortunately I’m being induced early because bubs isn’t growing as fast as they’d like so it’s highly unlikely I’ll go into labour naturally 😐

ANSWER
5 years ago
I didn’t have ballon induction but instead the synthetic drip. Slow long painful labour with epidural in the end.
Honestly 2nd was painful and fast and if I ever fell pregnant again I’d beg to be booked for a c section 😫
Sorry it’s not helpful advice with your question but I wish you so much luck and congrats on the arrival of your baby gal ❤️😍

ANSWER
5 years ago
Good luck, no advice, sometimes I think medical professionals just assume you know stuff or assume their lame explanation is enough, and then wonder why you're freaked out as all f*uckery and basically having a panic attack in their office!
I'm sure it will be okay though and if it wasn't in your best interests they wouldn't suggest it! ♥ ♥

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REPLY
5 years ago
It’s so frustrating! I’ll just have to wait and see what happens, I think I’m over most of my panic although I probably won’t sleep the night before!

ANSWER
5 years ago
Ehhhh I did not have any luck with mine, it was really uncomfortable and it didn't work. Wishing you th best

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REPLY
5 years ago
Thankyou ❤️

ANSWER
5 years ago
I had one. It's called 'Foley's catheter '.
To be honest it was such a horrendous birth i don't want to think about it. Not because of the balloon though:)
They insert a little cord into your uterus, just uncomfortable really. Then they slightly inflate the balloon. You then periodically give little tugs on the string - to encourage your cervix to begin opening without synthetic intervention.
My son was induced this was because he had erratic heartbeat and I had preeclampsia. They didn't want hormones or drugs to complicate things.
Good luck, you'll be fine!!
Im so excited for you. I hope you and your little one have a smooth, safe and beautiful time when you first meet each other xx

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REPLY
5 years ago
Thankyou for your response! I’m hoping for a smooth delivery as my first labour was fast, painful and not something I’d like to repeat. I’m being induced early as baby girl isn’t growing as fast as they’d like her to so it’s a bit stressful!

ANSWER
5 years ago
Yep, as someone else said, they push a little rubber tube up your cervix and then inflate it to try and open it up. Not gonna lie, it hurt like a mofo. Have you've already had the 'gels'? If not, see if you can ask to have those first, much less invasive and painful.

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REPLY
5 years ago
Unfortunately no gels, the doctor is going straight to balloon. I’m being induced early because my baby isn’t growing as well as she should be. Thankyou for answering honestly! ❤️