How quickly can a pessary work when inducing labour?

[NoRoomForALittleOne]

I'm being induced on Wednesday at 37 weeks. I know that it may take a while and also that they would prefer to just break my waters of they can. I've heard lots of stories about the pessary not working or it taking several attempts but I've no idea how quickly it can work if it's going to work quickly.

Can it bring on contractions almost immediately or, say, within an hour? Or does it always take a while to work?

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences. I guess that certain things are in my favour (5th baby, previous fast labours) and other things aren't (only being 37 weeks). We'll just have to see how it goes...

Well, I never did get the prostin as they examined me, said my cervix was closed, monitored me for 30 mins pre-prostin, put it in and immediately took it out as I was 2cm! They gave me a sweep (didn't really do anything) and broke my waters 4 hours later. It took me 3 hours 15 to get established but only 37 mins of active labour. I could have been quicker but wanted to push slowly as I could tell his hand was up by his face. He then struck a superman pose and delivered his first shoulder himself. So much nicer than a shoulder dystocia!

Congratulations - I hope you are both OK.

Wow congratulation

Went in at 11pm and took a walk around the ward. Fell asleep at 11:30 and woke up in full blown labor at midnight. Midwife didn't believe me but after repeatedly begging on my part and DHs she examined me at 12:30 and I was at 6cm! Well you're just going like the clappers! She said. Grrr. Yup I am thanks!

Congratulations!!

1st dc, they didn't work but was induced 2 weeks early due to gd

2nd dc, 6 hours to get started and 10 hours till birth but she was a due date baby