i actually had a reaction to the gel and had something called an hypertonic contraction. a contraction that went for too long and compressed baby so much the heart beat slowed right down. i dont know if there is any way to prevent that from happening, or find out beforehand if that could happen to you. i have read of a way to apply it attached to a string and they just pull it out if a reaction occurs. with the gel, once it is in ther it is in there and they can try to scoop it out with little success.

so my advice to you is, if you feel an immediate contraction tell them ASAP. they should monitor your tummy straight after application. (being my first baby i didnt really know i was having a contraction cause i didnt know what it felt like and it didnt hurt really it was just a tingly/tensing feeling to begin with) so if you feel strange just let them know.

also, wanted to add that my cervix was no where near favourable and i had what they call prosto pains all night, i think cause i had the reaction they were more intense but thing is they werent doing anything! had to have waters broken and had drip too.

thats just what happend with me though.. best of luck.