Foley balloon?

Question

Hey everyone! I'm currently at the hospital getting induced and wondering if anyone has had the foley balloon before? They just tried putting it in (I'm only 1cm dilated) and it was so painful I couldn't stand it! Now I have to get an epidural just so they can put it in because I can't handle it

Answer

Hehe, the peanut ball is just a peanut shaped exercise ball - I am sure you have seen those. Anyway, the smaller size is used in three consecutive positions, each one lasting 30 minutes on each side. By the time I get to the second position, my patients are complete and ready to push out a baby. 
The first position has the mother sitting straight up in bed (we call it high fowlers) with one knee bent, and the foot placed as close to the perineal area as possible (as if you were sitting criss-cross applesauce) and the other leg is draped over the peanut ball. This opens the pelvis up very wide and it is VERY common to feel more intense perineal pressure at this time. 30 minutes on each side. The second position is where the patient lays on her side, once again bending the knee of the side she is laying on, bringing the foot as close to the perineal area as possible and then draping the other leg over the peanut ball. Again, 30 min on each side.  The third position is a hands and knees position where one leg is draped over the peanut ball (like a dog peeing on a fire hydrant). I have never gotten past the first hour and a half of positions. I have always delivered my patient first. I do not recommend this method without an epidural. It creates VERY strong contractions and the cervix dilates very quickly. Hope that helps! You can also Google laboring with a peanut ball for pictures. That may help too!

Answer

I am a labor and delivery nurse. Foley balloons are really good nonpharmacological ways to help dilate the cervix. They work with your contractions and when they come out, you are what is called a "mechanical 3-4cm dilated". They CAN be painful when placed if your cervix is still posterior so an epidural can help with the pain. You might ask that they give you a peanut ball if you get an epidural this early. Epiduras don't slow your labor down in and of themselves, but bc you are not up and moving around to facilitate your labor, it can take a bit longer once you get one. The peanut ball is freaking amazing though. I makes babies shoot out of vajay-jays with peanut balls!! Good luck and congrats!!

Answer

I had I.v. Pain medicine when they placed mine and that helped a ton. 😊

Answer

They couldn't just do the normal cervadil or pitocin?  Sounds like the beginning of many unnecessary medical interventions.  Good luck in birthing your baby mama I'll pray for a speedy delivery.

Foley balloon?

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