Key take-aways:
- Alice’s misoprostol-assisted contractions are occurring every two minutes
- There is almost no discomfort for her with these contractions
- Next step in the procedure is likely to be the use of a Foley Catheter Balloon (link)
- Dr. Michael Q. England’s non-medically binding forecast is still predicting an early morning delivery
I didn’t plan on referencing balloons for a second
consecutive post in this blog but our latest medical update calls for it.
There’s a bit of irony here because I reserved my harshest criticism for a
balloon being used in Perfect Strangers
to help a woman induce labor. As soon as I hit that little orange “Publish”
button the night shift doc came in and informed us our success in the next
round of treatment is tied to a balloon as well. Gaah, universe! I feel once
again like I’m being used for your amusement.
The device in question is called a Foley Catheter Balloon (link) and I
will leave the explanation for the reader to find.
 |
| Two kinds of balloons. The one on the left is used to romance the ladies. The one on the right, a Foley Balloon, is used if the one on the left is successful. |
We’re using this inflatable wonder machine to
facilitate cervical dilation. Nurse Suzanne tells me that this could take, “anywhere
from 3 hours up to 12 hours.” After the balloon is removed the Pitocin is
administered and the real effort for Alice begins.
So far it’s been a long, slow journey. Thank you for all of
the comments and warm wishes. They keep us going throughout the down time in this experience.
- Phase 1: Check in & set up – DONE
- Phase 2a: Drug #1 Misoprostol - DONE
- Phase 2b: NEW - A Foley Balloon is inserted to hasten dilation – IN PROCESS
- Phase 3: Drug #2 Pitocin – Unknown start time, probably no earlier than 11pm PDT
- Phase 4: Labor!
- Phase 5: Delivery
- Phase 6: Back slaps, cheers & alternating flashes of anxiety and pure joy
