Balloon induction

HumHU3 · 22/02/2025 21:27

WildeWalker · 22/02/2025 06:20

Hi,

Has anyone any experiences good and bad having had the cook balloon as a form of induction? 41+4 tomorrow and potentially the plan for tomorrow…

Hi, I tried this but unfortunately it didn’t work. For me, the insertion was uncomfortable rather than painful but I ended up in quite a bit of pain (like strong period pain / cramps) afterwards. Had it done on an evening and the pain didn’t start to ease until the morning, then felt uncomfortable walking. Found out when baby was born that he’d been back to back so I don’t know if that might’ve led to more pain.
Best of luck

Thisishard25 · 22/02/2025 21:33

Balloon was a success for me and a lovely induction after a very traumatic birth first time round. So I was extremely nervous after hearing all the horror stories etc but for me, it couldn't have gone better

I have a terrible pain threshold and I managed fine with insertion.. when it was inserted I was already almost 2cm dilated. It falls out around 3cm. Mine lasted an hour and a half.. fell out by itself.. Waters broken around noon/1pmish.. baby born at 6.30pm. Id do it again in a heartbeat. Very relaxed.

All the best and hope it goes well for you 🙏

Original poster

WildeWalker · 23/02/2025 07:11

Thisishard25 · 22/02/2025 21:33

Balloon was a success for me and a lovely induction after a very traumatic birth first time round. So I was extremely nervous after hearing all the horror stories etc but for me, it couldn't have gone better

I have a terrible pain threshold and I managed fine with insertion.. when it was inserted I was already almost 2cm dilated. It falls out around 3cm. Mine lasted an hour and a half.. fell out by itself.. Waters broken around noon/1pmish.. baby born at 6.30pm. Id do it again in a heartbeat. Very relaxed.

All the best and hope it goes well for you 🙏

Thanks for this. Did you have any other induction measures after they broke your waters or did it all happen naturally?

OP posts:

ANiceCuppaTeaandBiscuit · 23/02/2025 07:39

You never know, you might find you are dilated enough to have your waters broken without needing it. I was booked in for an induction, they were pushing the rods, and I requested a pesary, but they found I was almost two cm so they broke my waters, gave me an epidural and put me on an oxytocin drip. Baby was in my arms 6 hours later. I will say it was very painful having my waters broken but otherwise all was fine. Best of luck!

Lalaland67 · 23/02/2025 07:43

Same as pp I was booked in for balloon induction but when I got in was already 2cm so just had to wait for a bed on labour ward. I was only 39 weeks so at 41 weeks it might be more likely for you!

HumHU3 · 23/02/2025 09:34

WildeWalker · 23/02/2025 07:11

Thanks for this. Did you have any other induction measures after they broke your waters or did it all happen naturally?

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No unfortunately ended up going on the hormone drip. I was only 40 + 5 though (in my area, it seems they’re over-keen to book inductions) and wanted to go home to wait and see for a few more days, but the midwife who took out the balloon put a lot of pressure on me to stay in. Hopefully things will progress more easily for you if you’re further along!

Thisishard25 · 23/02/2025 13:02

@WildeWalker yes they put me on the drip but it was only really for an hour because my contractions came in thick and fast mostly by themselves.

laesosalt · 23/02/2025 20:28

How are you @WildeWalker?