Balloon induction - are you allowed to eat??

[Lifeonashoestring]

I'm having a mechanical induction using a balloon and for medical reasons I've got to stay in the hospital and won't be allowed home.

I've been through the leaflet they've given me and it doesn't say anywhere you can't eat, but it also says it could be in for 24 hours before they would break my waters and kickstart labour.

So... Do I pack snacks for me for the first 24 hours or will I not be allowed to eat during any of the process?? If I was at home I'd obviously just eat when I felt like it, but not sure if the rules are different if you're in hospital?

Really not sure about that one but I know that for me, I really couldn't eat once it all got going. Could you ask your MW or just pack snacks that your DH could eat that won't go off?

Yes, I had a balloon induction and was allowed to eat for the 24 hrs that the balloon was in. I was then put on the induction drip after my waters were broken and wasn’t allowed to eat. I am fairly sure that this is standard practice.

To give you some idea, the balloon bit was really fine. It didn’t hurt but was obviously a bit uncomfortable having a balloon inserted etc!

Thank you @LH1987 for your feedback and insight. Certainly put my mind at ease!

And thank you @BunnyRuddington for your response. That was going to be my back up solution, but was wondering if anyone knew so I could save space in the bag if necessary!

I've just had a dilapan induction similar to balloon, was allowed to eat once in and did take snacks and drinks and plenty to do. My DP wasn't allowed in until established labour and had to leave after the rods were inserted (wasn't allowed back until they started the drip) it was boiling hot, noisy and pretty boring so lots of non perishable snacks, bottled drinks, you get water so I took a the squeezy juice in too, I was due to get food bought round but got forgotten so was thankful I had snacks with me and a mix of stuff to eat.

Thanks @Vie8126 that's good to know.

I didn’t have the balloon but my waters were broken and then I had the drip.

They bought me a jacket potato just before the drip and I’d eaten all day. I’m sure they’ll bring you a menu in the morning so you can choose your days food x

The words "not allowed" shouldn't enter your thoughts or exit any staffs mouths while you are in labour. It is your medical care and you can accept or decline it as you see fit. If you want to eat/drink they can advise you against it but it's your decision. The same with any intervention they offer/tell you you need

Also, I was able to go to the cafe and restaurant in the hospital as well and go for walks etc. So you won’t be stuck in bed. I remembered that after I posted, it’s not a bad 24 hours 😀