Balloon induction <37wks...

[SnookyPook]

Hi all. Currently 32+3 with my second child. We've been closely monitored since 20wk scan due to measuring small (estimated <3rd centile). Currently Dopplers and amniotic fluid are looking good, as is BP etc. I've been told if he stays on his current trajectory they would want to deliver him 'by 37wks'.

As there are no other causes for concern at the moment, and my first son was a vaginal delivery, they are happy recommending induction. It would be balloon induction with no hormones etc (to reduce stress to baby?). However, everything I have read/heard about induction is not leaving me feeling hopeful about this path - particularly with a small, early baby. I'm just not confident my body would go into labour. I'm also wary of it becoming overly medicalised (my previous birth involved no pain relief and the only intervention was a last minute episiotomy right before he came out due to hand by head - 41+1 and only 5th centile which hadn't been detected pre-birth) or progressing to a C-section anyway after a more exhausting few days. Does anyone have relevent experience of this kind of induction at a similar gestation (bonus points if also a small baby!). I've read a few other threads on balloon induction which have provided some useful insights but none seem to have been early...

The alternative is elective section and I feel like I hear much more positive stories/experiences of this, although this option is also daunting to me as the thought of major abdominal surgery is a bit overwhelming!

Overall, like any Mum, I just want the best for my baby, and to get him here safely. I had 3 MCs last year so he is also our little rainbow baby and all the growth monitoring etc has unfortunately added a bit more anxiety to the latter part of the pregnancy than I would have ideally liked. I also have our adorable 3yr old at home so conscious of how the different options might impact him.

Really grateful if anyone has any valuable insights or thoughts! Ultimately it's obviously a decision I have to make and make my peace with (unless something takes induction off the table as an option anyway!) but happy to hear from others whove mulled similar issues over!

Thanks for reading!

My trust prefer to use the balloon as the primary method of induction. So it could just be that rather than not wanting to use hormones.

However at my second induction (37 weeks, pre-eclampsia, very much not a small baby) they didn't use the balloon as baby was stationed too high (i.e. not engaged), and they didn't want to risk cord presentation/prolapse. I instead had a gel, which was enough to dilate my cervix enough to perform an ARM. As with my first, I needed the drip to kick start contractions, which is likely with earlier inductions, so something to be aware of. I've not had a natural labour to compare to, to know if I could manage unmedicated, but I go as long as I can with just gas+air, then have something a bit stronger when I can't any longer.

To be fully transparent, this induction did end in a C-section. However it was not down to the induction, baby was stubbornly back to back and had also tipped his head back. He was undeliverable vaginally). It sucked, but it was what it was. If it helps, my first was also a 37 week induction (not a small baby either), and I had a vaginal unassisted birth. Gels were the only option back then, but had balloons been available it would have been the same situation. Baby was stationed high and unengaged.

Hope all goes well, whichever your decision.

@Dyra thank you - yes I feel like I'm seeing a lot of comments that the balloon induction needs to be followed with drip or something else to start the contractions but my consultant specifically said they wouldn't do this for me which makes me wonder if there is higher chance of it not working. I'll chat with my midwife about it this morning! Glad your babies got here safely 💗

Update for future readers:

Thanks so much for your reply which helped me with my decision making, alongside other research I did etc.

Had an elective C-section early yesterday afternoon at 37wks on the dot. In the end, despite being nervous about surgery I felt confident this was the right choice for my little man and I felt sure I didn't want to put him through an induced labour. I also felt this was the best call for my own MH and anxieties about getting him here safely. Hospital were very supportive of this and the consultant who did my consent said he thought it was the right call. He even used a phrase I had thought myself which was that the C-section took the risk off Babba and onto myself.

I am SO glad I took this option. The elective section was as others describe - peaceful, efficient, fast and so positive. I was excellently supported throughout. Had the spinal and was able to watch little man emerging - amazing!

He was born on the 2nd centile at 5lbs7oz but thankfully super strong! He's aced all his obs so far and had been feeding well. I feel so very lucky to have him here safely and to have made it to such a decent gestation in the end 🥰

Early days for my own recovery but so far so good. I managed to stand and have a short walk and a shower about 8hrs after the surgery and pain is manageable so far.

Thanks again for the support and help in reaching my decision 💗