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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Foley balloon/experience of having waters broken? Anxious!

10 replies

CSR721 · 19/11/2022 10:38

Apoligies for the long post but here goes...

So I had the foley balloon inserted yesterday afternoon. It was a really painful experience (didn't have gas and air as it wasn't set up where I was and I just wanted it over with) I was only 1cm dilated and the tube is 1cm so she struggled to get it in, then when she did babys head was in the way so she struggled to get it in position- she put the water in and had to drain and take it out again, and redo it. (Just to add I have absolutely nothing against how it was done, it was just one of those things and she did offer gas and air at the beginning and regularly reminded me that I could stop at any time if I wanted to but once she started I just wanted it over with).

Then later on I reached around too quickly and must have caught it and pulled it down a little. It's still inserted but started bleeding a lot so ended up back at maternity assessment. They weren't worried about the bleeding which had stopped completely by the time I got there, and said it was likely due to irritation of the cervix when it was inserted along with me then catching it.

I'm due to have it out at 3pm. My contractions are still irregular and mild. I understand next steps would be to break my waters. After so much discomfort from the balloon insertion, I'm really scared to have this done. Can anyone Share their experiences of having their waters broken? Was it awful? Also I'm scared after the bleeding from the balloon that I could haemmorhage during/after birth.

Any experiences or hand holds would be much appreciated as I'm bloody bricking it now.

OP posts:
Cuppasoupmonster · 19/11/2022 10:44

I was induced with Foley catheter at 36+6 with DC1. Did they give you gas and air when it was being inserted? I had some and it really helped me, so maybe ask for that ahead of any more vaginal exams/procedures. When I was 1cm they broke my waters which didn’t hurt, put me on the drip and DD was born 10 hours later. If you’re having the drip I would recommend an epidural in advance. Basically, just keep asking for pain relief! Good luck x

CSR721 · 19/11/2022 10:49

@Cuppasoupmonster thank you. I didn't have gas and air, it was offered but I would have had to wait to be moved to somewhere that had it available and I'd already been waiting for 6 hours so just wanted it over with, I didn't realise how long it would take/ how difficult it would be to insert. It's good to know it didn't hurt having your waters broken as that's something I'm worried about! Was the balloon insertion worse than breaking waters? I will bear that in mind with the drip thank you!!

OP posts:
Dyra · 19/11/2022 10:51

I've had 2 managed ARMs (one midwife pushing baby into pelvis, one popping waters) as my babies were both still very high.

I won't lie, it was an unpleasant sensation but with gas+air it was manageable. I advise you make full use of it. Too much made me very light headed, but definitely took a lot of the discomfort away.

Best of luck for later.

CSR721 · 19/11/2022 10:54

@Dyra thank you for sharing your experience 💕💕

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addler · 19/11/2022 11:01

I found the insertion of the balloon quite painful but used gas and air so it was fine with that, but when I had my waters broken I didn't have anything and it didn't hurt at all. Was super quick and felt weird and I actually laughed when they gushed out!

CSR721 · 19/11/2022 11:04

@addler thank you, that makes me feel a lot better!!

OP posts:
CSR721 · 20/11/2022 05:48

Thank you all for your reassurances. Just had it done with gas and air and as you all said it was absolutely fine ❤️ now just waiting for little one!

OP posts:
Cuppasoupmonster · 20/11/2022 07:16

Yay! Good luck xx

addler · 20/11/2022 07:37

How exciting! Best of luck and hopefully soon you'll have your baby in your arms safe and soundly Flowers

Dyra · 20/11/2022 11:25

Glad the ARM was fine. Hopefully labour has long since started, and you're well on your way to holding your baby!

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