Anyone had the "balloon" method when being induced?

[OooohAhhhh]

Due to be induced very soon, and I am having the "balloon" method.

Can anyone share their experiences of this method so I know what to expect?! I'm getting nervous thinking about it!

I had it.

It was put in at around 5pm, which was quite uncomfortable, a bit like having a smear.

A few hours later I started to have some irregular contractions. I had contractions on and off for a few hours until about 2am. Some were quite painful but getting in a hot shower helped. Then the contractions stopped and I managed to get some sleep.

Unfortunately it didn't work that well and didn't fall out by itself. When it was removed in the morning I was about 2-3cm dilated, compared to not at all the previous day.

I think it didn't really work for me because my body was nowhere near going into labour naturally. If you're having symptoms of labour/are not far off, it might just be the push your body needs.

Good luck!