My labor is being induced tomorrow morning, but tonight I have to go into the hospital to have a Foley Catheter inserted in order to help my cervix dialate! I was wondering if any of you have experienced this? Is the catheter painful? Im nervous...and this is my first child! Anyone with similiar experience feel free to answer! Thanks!
2007-01-16 00:35:44 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
the catheter is uncomfortable, and they MAY leave it in even when you start contractions..then it becomes somewhat painful, but bearable. Most are right, it does go into your urethra for you to pee instead of getting up and down to go. And no, urine won't cause an infection, its sterile, they worry more about a bowl movement during delivery than anything else, how many women do you think pee during delivery??
2007-01-16 01:13:52 · answer #1 · answered by zoe and skylar's mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the previous people were right, a Foley is USUALLY for removing urine, but what this question is about is using a catheter to help the cervix dilate. They insert the catheter into the vagina, up to the cervix, and place the balloon part of it in the hole of the cervix. Then they slowly inflate the balloon, over the course of hours, and as the balloon inflates, the cervix opens. Your kind of forcing it open. Usually after the balloon has opened the cervix 2-4 centimeters, then they take it out (or it will just fall out on it's own because once the cervix opens bigger than the balloon, it won't stay there on it's own). After that, it's pitocin for the rest of the induction.
I have never had this done, and I've only had one client who was supposed to have it done, but they were unable to put it in correctly. The doctor then proceeded to break my clients water and start the pitocin right away. This was all done by the time I got to the hospital, or else I might have suggested something different! It was a lot of procedures and interventions done when they really weren't necessary. But everyone makes their own choices - there are a lot of decisions to make during labor! Just make sure you know the risks/benefits, pro's/con's of each and then you can make an informed decision based on your situation and preferences. Good luck!
2007-01-16 10:36:17 · answer #2 · answered by mcdaid36 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's understandable that you might be nervous about this procedure but it is done all the time.
Usually done by the attending nurse she will instruct you and walk you through the procedure as she is doing it. Stay calm and relaxed, it is a quick procedure.
A Foley catheter consists of a tubing with a opening in the tip with a small(deflated balloon) and a urine collection bag.
After sterilizing the area ( washing)
The tubing is inserted into the bladder . The nurse will then inflate the small balloon which will help keep the catheter in place. That's it!
There may be some discomfort upon insertion but once in position and properly placed you should not feel it.
Congratulations on the impending birth of your child.
Have a Happy and Healthy little one.
Welcome to Motherhood
2007-01-16 08:52:49 · answer #3 · answered by That_ blue_ eyed_ Irish_ lass 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think the Foley helps your cervix dilate. It's inserted into the urethra so that if you are getting an epidural you will not have to and may not be able to urinate on your own. I had one with my second baby but only after he was born and it was necessary since I used a bed pan while I was being induced and had an epidural. It's a little uncomfortable but if you get an epidural first you won't feel much.
2007-01-16 08:51:09 · answer #4 · answered by Miriam Z 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I had a few with my first pg. They gave me one when I was on bedrest and then again during labor. Its uncomfortable going in but once in, ya don't notice it. Its actually kinda cool not to have to get up and go to the bathroom or slide your butt on a bedpan! Hey, could be worse. At least your mother in law isn't putting yours in...yeah, THAT was embarassing! Good luck!
Side note: urine isn't gonna cause an infection. Its sterile.
2007-01-16 09:57:36 · answer #5 · answered by duckygrl21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had 2 c-sections and the first one they had to induce my labor. The catheter hurts, i'm not gonna lie. It hurts going in, and it is REALLY uncomfortable, but you get used to it. Just be really careful. CONGRATS! and GOOD LUCK!
2007-01-16 08:43:26 · answer #6 · answered by star-e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a bit uncomfortable. God bless and congrats. Just try to relax! being tense does not help! I know easier said than done. Just think! you are going to hold your beaautiful gift of life; your baby soon. You a partner in a miracle. You will do just great.
2007-01-16 08:47:05 · answer #7 · answered by tennessee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
foley cath will be inserted into your urethra for the urine not to drop into your vaginal opening which can cause infection to the baby because urine is a by-product of wastes from our entire body. the procedure is with less pain and a bit uncomfortable but
you can endure it.
2007-01-16 08:43:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i had to have the same thing done. it doesnt really hurt
2007-01-20 03:56:45 · answer #9 · answered by heidi_rammstein 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it doesn't feel good!
2007-01-16 11:26:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋