have you had experience of beinng induced via an Atad catheter ?

[hugglebug]

Next Wednesday I am being induced using an Atad catheter as for various reasons I can't have the gel or drip which I know is the norm. Can anyone tell me what to expect from this device and if it is painful or even works? Thanks

Hi hugglebug. Im not sure what a Atad catheter is, but i was induced and had a normal catheter because of epidural and it was uncomfortable but not exactly painful! Dont know if this will help?

is this due to you haveing previous c.s and not being allowed pessary? have only read about this and not seen it in use. i have no idea if it is painful, i suppose it might depend on how favourable your cervix is?

is the induction medically necessary>

you should call your MW and ask her more about it and ask any questions , i am sure she will be happy to answer them

Yeah defo ask if it is necessary, so many times women are just told what is going to happen to them and they think they have no say in it, but you have evry right to ask if it is necessary!

my understanding is that the catheter is inserted into the cervix and inflated to open the cervix without artificial hormones and is a more gentle way of inducing labour, especially in a woman who has had a previous c.section. is that right , hugglebug?

Oh, i didnt know that! Ive had a c-section and i just thought my only options next time were to go into labour naturally or have another c-section!!

Thanks for your replys. This is my first baby but induction is preferable as i have heart and lung disease and as LO's due date is xmas day the Dr"s can't be sure the right medicaal personnel will be around if I suddenly go in to labour. i can't have the drip as it can have an adverse effect on lung patiients and can't have the gel as it can cause too suden and painful contractions and im not "allowed" to be in ny pain due to the strain on my heart so they need time to put in an epi. i was just inerested to know if anyone had direct experience as id never heard of it before and i'm always skeptical of the Dr's answers when it comes to pain!
it's definately worth asking about this as an option if you need inducing as apparently it was the "traditional" method used until the drug companies took over the world.

by the way plan b is a planned c section but this would probably mean i need some "life support" for my breathing so fingers crossed this works!

yeah I had e.c.section and ended up being given a general half way through so had to be ventillated on machine.and the recovery was not great,I'm sure it would be worse for you!