Foley balloon induction method? Any experiences?

[Janem001]

Hi.
I have been booked in for induction next week via the Foley Balloon induction method. I had never heard of it before and apparently the hospital has only done 10 of them before now. Was just wondering if anyone had any experience of this?
Thank you.

[FitByForty]

Me! I had it with my second child following an EMCS with my first.
It was fine. The actual insertion was uncomfortable rather than painful. Progress was slow though. I had the balloon inserted on the Monday morning and I finally delivered Thursday lunch time. If I remember correctly (it was over 5 years ago now) I think it took the first couple of days to get to 6cms. I had an epidural after that which May have stalled progress a bit though.
Overall I would say it was fine. Slow and steady rather than the great rush I understand you get with a traditional induction.
And I was the first person ever to have the procedure in my local hospital though my consultant chose not to share that info with me until after I totally trusted him though so I didn't mind too much.

[Janem001]

Aw thanks for that! Thats secretly exactly what I wanted to hear! I'm a bit nervous about it but pleased that it seems to be less aggressive than other methods of induction, from what I've read anyway!
Thank you.

[FitByForty]

Glad that's covered what you wanted to know. And good luck. Hope it all goes well for you