Balloon Induction with ARM experiences plz!

[Bananapancakes6]

I'm 40+4, baby has a cardiac anomaly so consultant keen not to let me go too far over as baby is measuring big too. Due to be induced via balloon induction tomorrow.

As I understand it, the balloon removed / falls out once you are 4cm and then they will artificially rupture membranes and let nature take its course.

I had ARM as means of induction with my first baby at 42 weeks and it was a 4h labour on just gas an air and it was extremely painful. I would have opted for pain relief given the chance!

I wondered if anyone knew what sort of pain relief options were available with this type of induction? I'd also love to hear general experiences too! my mind feels full of anxiety!

Just bumping 🤞

The pain relief options are exactly the same as for any other birth.
My balloon induction failed unfortunately, but I ended up with a short, fast spontaneous labour from all the faffing.
Couldn’t have an epidural as went too fast but that’s not to do with the induction.
I had 1 shot Pethidine when I was panicking about the epidural situation and then just gas and air.
Good luck!

Thanks @Megan2018 I was wondering if I could have an epidural before the arm. How did you find the pethidine? I'm wary.

@Bananapancakes6

Thanks *@Megan2018* I was wondering if I could have an epidural before the arm. How did you find the pethidine? I'm wary.

I don’t think you can have an epidural before established labour. There can be quite a gap between ARM and labour (or none at all). I wanted one but it was busy and I went too quickly.

I had no Pethidine or other opiates on my birth plan ironically- but had it on midwife advice as I was freaking out from the pain as my contractions were pretty much continuous from the start. It chilled me out completely, it was early on in the labour and wore off before it affected baby which was my worry. I had no side effects and found it rather nice. I was fully aware of what was going on but managed to doze a bit and calm down as my breathing had gone to shit which wasn’t helping.
Established labour was just after midnight, DD born 6.5hrs later. Induction had been attempted the afternoon before and abandoned.

It was nothing like the plan in the end but all was well. I was bouncing about pretty much straight after so rather glad the epidural didn’t happen in the end (although not at the time, I thought I was dying).

Interesting, thank you @Megan2018

Sadly my induction didn't go ahead today, the ward was too busy. My baby will need a NICU cot as well so that is making it harder for them to find space for us.