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Double balloon device induction

5 replies

Mouthfulofquiz · 22/04/2016 10:30

I'm due my third over the next couple of weeks and will be unable to be induced using the drip or pessary due to asthma so have been informed that my only option is to be induced using a double balloon device. Does anyone else have experience of this? I'm going to start having sweeps from 40 weeks to try and avoid it but of course they may not work. I was 11 days overdue with my last, and am almost expecting the same to happen again!

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Mouthfulofquiz · 23/04/2016 14:20

One last bump

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Shanster · 24/04/2016 01:01

Yes, I had that for my first baby. Two pessaries hadn't gotten labor started so they used the balloon instead. It wasn't pleasant, I went from 0cm dilated with no contractions to 4cm in about an hour. It was crying and begging for an epidual...once I had my epidural it was fine and I think it took about 5 hours from the balloon until I gave birth. It was effective at starting labour but you'll need pain relief!!!

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Mouthfulofquiz · 26/04/2016 04:58

Thanks for your reply - I'm really sorry I didn't see it until now!
Let's hope things get moving by themselves. If not, I shall heed your advice and get the requests for pain relief in very early indeed!
I gave birth with no pain relief last time due to not getting to hospital soon enough, and I believe it was due to being at home in my own environment. If I have to labour in hospital for the whole thing then u will definitely be requesting the pain relief available. I'm not sure that I want to repeat the intensity of last time! Thanks again

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DropYourSword · 26/04/2016 05:44

If I have to be induced I'd choose the double balloon over the single, or pessaries.
It's designed to open up your cervix to about 4cm so that they can then break your waters and start the drip. Have never heard of not being able to use a drip due to asthma though?? You should probably discuss with them further because you might want to know what the plan is after the balloon gets you to 4cm. Also, absolutely not disputing the above posters experience at all, but that is not generally what I've seen and heard of them, it's usually not that painful until the regular contractions from the drip.

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Mouthfulofquiz · 26/04/2016 10:12

I've been advised that they wouldn't use either on me due to my asthma (pessary or drip) and would rather not use an epidural in case it inhibits my breathing - however, I will
Run that past them again. I think it's the insertion of the device that I'm not keen on, plus having to labour in hospital. However - in the interests of a safe delivery, I will of course 'suck it up'.
It's funny really - my asthma is actually great at the moment, now my bump has really dropped and I don't have any coughs or colds. I feel great!