Ballon induction - how long does it take?

[hotpotlover]

Hi,

I'm in the hospital at the moment, 40 weeks + 3 days.

I had a balloon inserted an hour ago to induce me. I can only have a balloon induction as my 2nd delivery was a C-section.

So far I don't have any cramping/pain or any signs that things are starting.

So my question for ladies that have already undergone this process is - how long did it take for the balloon induction to work?

Thank you so much xx

Hi there I am a midwife working on the labour ward. I would say the length of induction or labour is unpredictable. It all depends on the size and position of the baby and size and shape of the woman's pelvis. So combinations are endless. In my Trust they usually keep the balloon for 24 hours or until it falls out whatever comes first. Not many women start contacting, the purpose is to get the cervix open enough so that they can break the waters. Since you had a vaginal birth before it's very likely the induction will work. Try to relax and save your energy for labour. Inductions could last a rather long time. Alternatively go for a walk in the morning and try taking a nap on the afternoon. I hope it helps. Good luck

In my experience it takes a few hours to get going. I think I had mine inserted about 10pm but then didn’t sleep a wink due to cramps kicking in a few hours later.
Unfortunately mine didn’t work and I ended up with a c section again but wishing you all the best with yours!

Thank you - I've talked to a doctor and she said it doesn't necessarily hurt and your cervix can still be stretching. she just told me to keep upright and walk around as much as possible xx

Mine didn’t. Had another emcs

Yes, I read that it sometimes doesn't work. I'm sorry and I hope you made peace with it anyway. xx

I hope that if it doesn't work in my case, it will be a straight forward c section and not an emergency.

My balloon fell out after 8 hours. Unfortunately my cervix is still long and high up and I'm only 1 cm dilated.

I lost my mucus plug or at least part of it in the shower.

They will try a 2nd balloon induction and if that doesn't work, they will do a C-section sigh

@hotpotlover did the second balloon work?? I am booked in for a balloon in induction on Monday at 38+6 due to baby being 97th centile.

Yes and no - the 2nd balloon dilated me enough so that they could break my waters.

That didn't start contractions though because the baby's head was too high, so they put me on the drip.

I had regular contractions, but I wasn't dilating fast enough in their opinion.

The baby's heart rate was a bit distressed by the contractions and they were also concerned about my scar rupturing at some point (it didn't, but they were worried it might).

I therefore ended up with another C-section (CAT2, not an emergency, but the baby was out within the hour).

I wish you the best of luck! xx