I got the balloon inserted at 6:45pm and it's now 2:40am. I slept for a few hours but am now just…

I've never been through this but I'll bump it for you and see if the other ladies can help.

Good luck.?

External tocometers (the contraction monitor) do not measure the strength of contractions, only their frequency and length. If you aren't feeling them much, it's likely your nurse is just really good at monitor placement :) that being said, you definitely are having contractions at a good interval from the small strip I can see, and most 2nd (and subsequent) labors are easier and shorter than a woman's first. Best of luck to you!

This is how labor went for me! I woke up at a 8.5! Had dd a couple hours later. Good luck!!

I hate to sound ignorant but, what is the balloon for? I've been racking my brain trying to remember if I had, or needed one? I always had medicated births and some parts where a little foggy.

I'm thinking I might had one with Ds2. He had no amniotic fluid (but they added some). And I remember them placing something on top of his head to keep a better check on his heart rate. Poor baby. He was born with 2 huge cuts on the top of his head. ?

I don't know if it's where they tried breaking my water THREE times before realizing that I had none or if it was the monitor? ?

I had so many things in there, (sorry tmi ?), I honestly don't remember.

Oh, and I pray everything is going well for you. ??

@katie - that makes sense! Thank you!

@luv- since I have to be induced due to preeclampsia, and I've had two previous c-sections, I can't have cervadil placed to ripen my cervix before the pitocin is given. Instead, they use a foley balloon where the insert like two balloons inside of you. One is placed inside the cervix, the other outside and they are filled with water. They apply pressure to the cervix making it dilate to about 4 cm.

With my third, I had the balloon, and like you, 10 other things coming out of there too! ? They placed a fetal monitor on her head as well to measure contractions.

? The monitor was for contractions? ? I swear this whole time I thought it was for his heart rate. Lord help me! That was embarrassing!

I can't wait to see your update! I'm truly so happy for you! Good luck. I'm praying for you Mama! ? ?

It monitors that too. Especially when you're having contractions, it's way better at monitoring how baby is responding to them.

Best of wishes for you and baby! Prayers for a safe labor.

Good luck, mama! I hope you're getting some rest!!

Good luck ❤️

Best wishes mama?

Good luck! Can't wait to see that precious baby!

Best wishes for a healthy baby and safe delivery !

My contractions were like that till my water broke both times. Then it became painful

They removed the balloon at 7am and I was 4.5cm. They started the pitocin about an hour ago and they're starting to get painful.

Thank you for your well wishes and prayers! I can't wait to meet this baby!

Yes, me. Good luck!

Yay! I hope you have a great delivery and I'm excited to see your precious lo!

?❤

Water just broke. Now the fun begins. ?

PS - this hurts. LOL!!

Ooooh exciting!!! Good luck ❤️

Good luck, you're getting close!

Getting close! Thinking of you, mama! You've got this.

Yae. Good luck Mama. Can't wait to see your precious baby ?

I'm so excited for this bebe!!!

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