Balloon induction

popmave

There is no progress going on with this cervix of mine. Midwife did suggest some natural induction techniques, but also said that if we wanted to induce, the safest way would be to do a balloon catheter. She said it would dilate my cervix, however there were no guarantees about putting my body into labor or producing contractions.

Has anyone been induced this way? What was your experience?

Looking for more information so we can make an informed decision.

myantonia

I had one... it was one of the MANY things they tried during my induction It's also called a Foley Bulb, if that helps for googling.  

I hated the insertion- but I blame that on two REALLY incompetent residents.  I had to lie really still... and try doing that when you're having pitocin induced contractions and they can't find your frickin cervix  But other than that, it feels just like you're getting any other exam- maybe like a pap smear?

Once it was in, it was just like any of the other tubes and wires I had on me that day.  They taped the tube to my leg so I could still be up and around (I had no epi at that point still).  It's a little fuzzy, but I think they came and expanded the foley bulb every couple hours to "mechanically" dilate me.   

Unfortunately for me, that combined with 4 doses of misoprostil and a whole lot of pitocin still never got me past 4 cm.  But, in my book, it was worth the try! I wanted to do everything humanly possible before they wheeled me into that OR! 

 

ETA: I was induced at 41 weeks 4 days, if that makes any difference. 

cchill01

Personally, I would wait until 41 weeks (or as long as they'll let you go) before trying and medical procedures.  I personally want to give my body a chance to do it's thing.  After a failed induction the first time, I don't have much faith in the process.  I would be all in for the natural induction techniques, though.  Spicy food, accupuncture and some sex could never hurt.

Ceefome

I didn't have one done, but the one OB in the practice that I spoke with about Foley Bulb induction said that she has never had the Foley bulb alone work - it always took pitocin as well to induce labor.  Just something to think about.

I also second trying to wait as long as possible before inducing (if you can), and the other old wives tales, including sex and nipple stimulation.

Brownie_222

Does your midwife want you to deliver by a certain date? How many weeks are you comfortable going? I would probably wait until 41-42 weeks before considering induction, unless there's a medical reason.

princess101

I had one with my induction..it didn't work. Doctor accidentally broke my water while putting it in (which was quite a sight to see since they were NOT prepared haha). Other than that, the contractions picked up a ton but I was also on pitocin. I never got past 5 cm with every trick in the book BUT i can honestly say I tried everything I could.

popmave

Brownie_222:

Does your midwife want you to deliver by a certain date? How many weeks are you comfortable going? I would probably wait until 41-42 weeks before considering induction, unless there's a medical reason.

When I asked the midwife how far we might be restricted to go to 41/42, she said we weren't, however my risks will start to outweigh my benefits. She was shyly expressing concern as I only had one layer of stitching w/my previous c-section. However there is no medical reason. I was thinking I would ask her to consult w/one of the OB's in the office as I know this particular OB recently c-sectioned my friend who also only had a single layer of stitching done by the same doctor as me. I agree with you all, I'd like to give my body/this baby a chance to come on her own, however I don't want to put either of us at risk for a catastrophic delivery.

preg_amy

I've never had it done, but this is basically my only option for induction this time around (they will break my water, too, but I would prefer not to do that). 

Do you have any progress at all?  Because I was told that they can't do it unless I'm dilated, even just a bit.  So if you're still closed tight, they might not be able to do it yet.

But yeah, I agree that I would try to wait longer.  But it's really up to you and what you're comfortable with.

drakee

I had a Foley Catheter along with a full dose of Pitocin with DD.  It didn't work.  However, I was successfully induced with two Foley Catheters with my VBAC.  I also needed AROM and a little Pit when I was at 9cm.  It wasn't a bad experience, but both inductions were very long.  With DD, the Foley ball was inserted on a Tuesday night, and DD was born via C-Section on Thursday morning.  With DS, the Foley ball was also inserted on a Tuesday night, and DS was born Friday morning.