Balloon induction?

[Engard]

Hi ladies,

I'm having a balloon induction in a couple of days.
Can anyone share their experience? How long till it kicked in?

My last induction (postgladin) took about 8 hours before I felt anything, will this be a faster or slower process?

I can't say anything about timings, but my midwife told me on Tuesday that a week after it was introduced in our hospital (RBH, Reading) 4/5 ladies who had had it had gone on to have a straightforward natural delivery. I hope that's reassuring for you! I'll be up for the same thing on Tuesday, if it comes to it.

Hi op, I can only tell you as much as I know (so far) as I am in the middle of a balloon induction.

Balloon went in yesteday 12pm. The proces of inserting it it's quite uncomfortable, I would not say it's painful, more like a bad period type pain. When they start filling it with water it's slightly worse but again, manageable, just breath through it. Had a tiny bit of bleeding (more mucousy than red blood) and period type pain immediately after (make sure to ask for some paracetamol as soon as its done and wear a pad just in case). A couple of hours later started having contractions, every 5 min, quite strong, couldn't talk, move through them but managed just on breathing alone. 7ish I've asked for more pain relief, got codeine and paracetamol and pains slowed down within the hour.
They said if beds available they could take the balloon out after 12h but no availability for me. They can keep it in for max 24h. Round 1am pains stopped and been able to sleep. No pain so far and still awaiting for them to take it out.

Thats as much as I can tell you so far. Can update later once I know next steps :)

@Akasia - do you have to stay in once it's fitted or can you go home? Doing my research about this balloon now as part of a potential VBAC!

I had a terrible reaction to the pessary so then I had the balloon. I found it excruciatingly painful but I think that was to do with my cervix and the fact it took 3 doctors and several goes to actually place the balloon.

As far as I can remember, it made me dilate enough to break the waters.

@nomorewinedayfriday it depends on your situation. If you're induced because you're late then they'll send you home, if it's a health issue then they'll keep you in.

@nomorewinedayfriday I wasn't allowed to go home, tbh even if they offered I would have stayed so I can get pain relief. It is not a nice experience but seems to do the job. As long as you keep in mind that the pains you're feeling for the first few hours will soon go away, you'll be fine.

Ballon is out now (have to say, did not feel a thing taking it out) and its done its job. Half an hour after lost my mucous plug but still awaiting for my waters to be broken.

Best of luck to all :)

Hi, just wondering how did you balloon induction go @Engard..how was your experience? thanks.