Balloon Induction?!

Question

Ok, so I had my 38 week check today. (I am 38+1) Dr said he would not induce me until starting next week if I was ready to throw in the towel, otherwise dr is ready to ride this out until 41 weeks in which point we will induce regardless. So for me, he said I have 2 options of inductions... pitocin or a balloon catheter to widen the cervix. I have never heard of or had the ballon. I have had pitocin before and would prefer not to use that EVER again! Worst contractions of my life! 🙈 So, if any of you have had to use the balloon induction, what was it like??

Answer

I just had the foley bulb with my induction. They placed it at about 9pm and when I went to the bathroom at 5am, it fell out and doc said I was a 4. It’s not painful. The only part that hurt was the doc inserting it because she refused to use the “duck lips” (idk what they’re called) and only used her fingers and couldn’t get it in so a different doc used the duck lips and there was no pain at all. If I ever need to be induced again, I’ll def be asking to start with the foley bulb (I’ve also been induced using cervadil and that was LONG and ineffective).

Answer

They just insert the balloon catheter in your cervix to put pressure on it and get you to dilate that way. I had it and you can’t feel it after it’s in. Mine fell out when I used the restroom when I was at 4cm and that didn’t hurt either.

Answer

At only 39 weeks it's likely you will still need the pitocin, even with the balloon catheter. Unless your Bishop score is like 10-12 your probably going to need the pitocin and at that point labour is likely to start on it's own anyways. If you really want to avoid pitocin your best bet is just to wait it out until baby is ready to come.

Answer

My friend had the balloon for her cervix and didn’t have any problems with it. She had Pitocin afterwards to start contractions.

Answer

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