https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:46:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2803255 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:24:56 +0000 kayakgirl73 2803255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I checked into the hospital for a Cevadil induction and they found that I was actually already 4cm when I hadn't been dilated at all the previous afternoon. They decided to keep me and start Pit in the morning. Strated Pit at 6:00, doc broke my water around 7:30 and I had mercomimum in my waters. I ended up having the bay at 3:30. The worst was I really got no sleep that night in the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2803092 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 21:41:18 +0000 delight 2803092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a foley induction at 41w. The insertion wasn’t bad and I didn’t find it overly uncomfortable. However, baby was moving around like crazy after it was put in and he had to be monitored for a few hours before I was sent home for the night. When I went back the next day to finish the induction, I found out he was breech. I am not sure if it is possible for a baby to flip at 41 weeks but there was so much movement after the balloon was put in, I wonder if that’s what happened. Regardless, I had to have pitocin to continue the induction and that was HORRIBLE. Way worse contractions and pain than my non-induced labor with my first child! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2802685 Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:08:32 +0000 caitlanc 2802685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had two Cytotec inductions on the recommendation of my midwife that went perfectly.<br /> #1 was unexpected. My water broke two days before my due date. Since labor didn't progress on it's own, I was given a 1/4 dose then a second 1/4 dose 4(?) hours later. I can't remember my stats but I wasn't more that 3-4 cm and not very effaced. I didn't know it could make contractions a lot stronger - I was just aware of pitocin's reputation and wanted to avoid it - but made it through with just one dose of Fentanyl at the very end.<br /> #2 was at 42 weeks and I was no where near close. Maybe 2 cm dilated and not at all effaced. Again got a 1/4 dose and LO was born that day with no other interventions or pain management. </p> <p>I loved not being confined at all. Walking the hallways was crucial for me the first time, as was wandering around my room the second time. Plus being able to get in the shower/bath at will. Not getting an IV was also a bonus. </p> <p>I remember my midwife mentioning Cytotec isn't intended for inducing childbirth but that didn't bother me. I trust her completely and that was sufficient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2802657 Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:01:23 +0000 snowjewelz 2802657@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had cervadil with my first; they gave it to me twice but I was starting with nothing (induced due to GD). I guess they did work for at least getting things moving....? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2802630 Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:08:16 +0000 krispi 2802630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had all of those, and then some. :) They tried cervadil first I think, then the cytotek. I progressed a little but not much on each. More thinning than dilating. Then they placed the foley catheter. The only time that was uncomfortable was checking my cervix after they removed it. I think the foley bulb pushed my cervix over to the side a little, and it was harder to reach. But I did progress with it. I went from about 1 cm to 3 cm. They cranked up the pitocin after they took out the foley catheter, and that's when contractions really started to get bad.</p> <p>I was induced for early pre-eclampsia, so I didn't have much of a choice. I was 39 weeks, but I wasn't showing any signs of being ready for labor. I was about .5 cm when they started. I think someone a little further along would progress faster. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2802588 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 22:36:58 +0000 AngelicOne 2802588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JJ2626: I had the bulb done at my OB office around 4pm, then was sent home and the hospital called me at midnight when they had room for me. I remember it was somewhat painful getting it put in, but it worked to get me started because I was only 0.5 cm dilated. Think I was about 4 or so when they finally removed it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2802587 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 22:22:50 +0000 JJ2626 2802587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following this because they just scheduled my induction for 41 weeks (only 39+5) now so hopefully don’t go that far. But-my OB recommended doing the foley bulb by itself and then going home overnight and coming in the next morning. I’m scared of the pain of the bulb but like that there is no medication at least to start. Anyone else done the bulb at home? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2802582 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 22:03:00 +0000 Eko 2802582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced with cytotec for both pregnancies and it went fine. With my second they also used the foley to get me rolling more. It hurt like a b***h and immediately fell out. Never again will I use it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2802577 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 21:44:01 +0000 DesertDreams88 2802577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bumping because it's 2 years later and I'm probably going to be induced this time as well!</p> <p>Interested to hear about the options and your experience! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2421700 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 11:26:15 +0000 hellobeeboston 2421700@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: found this article that I thought was helpful and compares various induction methods: <a href="http://apps.who.int/rhl/pregnancy_childbirth/induction/CD000941_abdel-aleemh_com/en/" rel="nofollow">http://apps.who.int/rhl/pregnancy_childbirth/induction/CD000941_abdel-aleemh_com/en/</a></p> <p>Good luck, it's hard to know what the right decision is! I had a very positive experience with Cytotec, but didn't know much about it. The midwife was very pro, my friend who is an MFM that I called when given the choice liked pitocin better since it could be controlled, but I didn't want to be stuck in bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420839 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 18:26:16 +0000 rachiecakes 2420839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had Cervidil (like a little patch on a string, tampon style) inserted at 8pm. Shortly after my water broke when I turned over in bed and the Cervidil fell out. Labor started within 20 minutes of water breaking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420818 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 18:03:48 +0000 DesertDreams88 2420818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@torchwood: I had some extra break time at work today so I found the Cytotec company's letter, thank you though :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420210 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:56:57 +0000 Mommy Finger 2420210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I was induced with just pit with my first. But for my second, I went in the night before to get cervidil to ripen my cervix. It was put in at 7 pm and taken out at 7 am. They broke my water at 9 am and started pit. I got my epi around noon. Baby was born at 5:14 pm. It was a very smooth process and much better than my first induction. Honestly, I think it had more to do with the epi working the 2nd time so my body could relax. Well that and it had already gone through the process before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420183 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:43:18 +0000 Kbee 2420183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a foley bulb, and while the insertion was slightly uncomfortable and I had some cramping, it wasn't any worse than bad period cramps. I went from 1cm to 3cm in about 2 hours, at which point it fell out. I had midwives though, and they never even mentioned cytotec or cervadil to me, I'm assuming because they prefer to choose the non-medication option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420151 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:23:56 +0000 ZacharysMommy 2420151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced with cervadil. I ended up going into labor quickly and they took it out after around 8 hours instead of keeping it for 12. My labor was very intense but I have nothing to compare to since it was my first one. I never needed to start Pitocin since I just kept progressing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420080 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:43:36 +0000 MrsBeluga 2420080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: Be careful with the foley bulb! I was induced, was given one of the ripeners vaginally, once I got to a 1 I was then given a foley bulb. The nurse that put it in was so so rough. She also put it in incorrectly so it never fell out when it should have (3). They never checked on it until we insisted and when they checked I was already a 5. It hurt so bad that I couldn't sit down or bounce on a birthing ball, and I had it in for nearly 8 hours, an eternity while in labor. If they give you one do not be afraid to voice your discomfort!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420040 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:31:21 +0000 LAZB 2420040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was given cervadil when I was in labor with my ds. My water broke like 12 hours before, and I wasn't having contractions and was only like *maybe* 1 cm dilated. When they gave me the cervadil I started having immediate and very strong contractions. They actually had to remove it after a little while because I was having too many contractions on top of each other.<br /> I had a much better experience with Pitocin with my dd. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2420025 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:25:01 +0000 Torchwood 2420025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: I'll have to see if I still have the link. I looked it up as part of a homework assignment for our birth class last year. Though even if it's old, if the company hasn't issued a statement changing their position, I would assume it's still valid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419970 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:03:46 +0000 Bubbles 2419970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had PROM and was induced with prostin, which is a cervical gel I believe similar to cervadil. I think this is the standard way in the UK to start inductions before moving on to pitocin if needed.<br /> I ended up not needing pitocin, but I did have to have a drip anyway for antibiotics (waters had been broken over 48 hours). I found the prostin was very effective, in fact a little too effective. I went from no contractions at all to long contractions about 30 seconds apart in the space of about an hour - and they stayed that way for 12 hours until I delivered. It was very intense.<br /> I think my body was already trying to get the process started anyway, so maybe that is why it was such a strong reaction. Also when they gave me it they said I could have a single or double dose (I forget the actual measurements), and I went for a double (because, let's get this show on the road). In retrospect I wish I had gone for the single. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419958 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:57:51 +0000 snowjewelz 2419958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 39 weeks due to GD. They gave me two rounds of Cervidil. First round started at 1am and they checked me at some point in the morning and gave me another dose since nothing happened. I started at zero though. Second dose did get me to 3cm eventually but I had a low heartbeat scare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419837 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:12:56 +0000 lilyann 2419837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used a foley bulb with my last pregnancy (VBAC) and it worked great. I didn't notice any extra discomfort after they inserted it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419806 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:58:53 +0000 DesertDreams88 2419806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks @pwnstar! Going to print this and a bunch of other resources as back-up. I plan to ask my OB about using cervidil as an alternative and re-state my desire not to use cytotec; and then regardless, if it comes down to it, probably refuse it at the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419778 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:39:50 +0000 pwnstar 2419778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684033/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684033/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419775 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:37:41 +0000 DesertDreams88 2419775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@torchwood: yeah I know, I was just trying to keep my post brief... that part is even worse :( I was going to try to print off that letter/statement, but haven't looked yet... like @hellobeeboston said, do you have a credible website I could get it from? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419672 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 06:08:48 +0000 Annette 2419672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an induction at 37 weeks with cervadil and end to end my labour was about 14 hours from when the placed tge cervadil, which is hear is fairly short for that. They told us it could be a few days and a couple of doses but it was fairly quick and got me going. After they checked me and moved me to L &amp; D they broke my water and gave me pitocin. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419667 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 05:53:54 +0000 hellobeeboston 2419667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: I saw that letter, but it's 16 years old, and I couldn't find a credible site. Can you share?? Thx! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419622 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:49:16 +0000 Torchwood 2419622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just for the record, cytotech isn't just not fda approved, the company has come out with an official warning that it is not intended for use during a healthy pregnancy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419570 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:53:57 +0000 Rockies11 2419570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the Foley bulb because I was a VBAC. It was very slow (24 hours) to get to 3 cms and was not a particularly comfortable process. I would have taken a cervical ripener if it had been an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419557 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:44:07 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2419557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced with both Cytotec and a Foley Buld (and Pit and manually breaking my waters...).</p> <p>My OB doesn't like to use Cervidil since once you insert it, you can't adjust dosing or anything for 8 hours. He feels like Cytotec gives more ability to adjust as needed for the specific patient.</p> <p>I got 1 dose of Cytotec. It got me for fingertip dilated to ~1 cm. At that point, they inserted a Foley Bulb which got me to 4 cm (uncomfortable but not painful). </p> <p>Then they started giving me Pit and while I was contracting, they weren't efficient contractions and I was dilating at all. So they turned off Pit and gave me another Cytotec dose. Then back on Pit. Still no progress. So manually broke my waters (so painful!). Still no progress. Ultimately after 36 hours (almost 24 hours sitting at 4 cm with no change), I ended up with a c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cytotec-vs-cervidil-vs-foley#post-2419501 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:56:12 +0000 Mae 2419501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 41+1 and I was &lt;1cm dilated. I got cervidil (not sure why? that is just what they do at my hospital) at 10am. They replaced it at 2pm and I was 2cm dilated. At 4pm my water broke and I immediately started having really bad back labor. Around 6pm I was still a 2 so they put in a foley bulb. That fell out about 8 and I was at 4cm and they started pitocin. By 10pm I was 8cm. (then everything went to shit... but I feel like the progression of induction worked pretty well). </p>