Induction of labour

  • This information explains the advice about inducing labour.

  • Yes, if you are a pregnant woman who is having her labour induced.
  • No, if you are pregnant but have other high risk condition like, high blood pressure, diabetes , if you are pregnant with more than 1 baby, or if you are already in labour.

  • Labour is a natural process that usually starts on its own. Sometimes labour needs to be started artificially; this is called ‘induced labour’.

  • Most women have a normal pregnancy and a normal birth, but sometimes it can be best to induce labour:
    • In a condition where continuing pregnancy has a higher risk to mother or baby inside uterus.
    • To avoid a pregnancy lasting longer than 40 - 41 weeks ( post-term pregnancy).
    • If a woman’s waters break but labour does not start.
    • If comorbid condition likes high blood pressure, GDM.
  • The most common reason for induction is to avoid a prolonged pregnancy. Your doctor should offer to discuss this with you at your 38 week antenatal appointment.
  • You may be offered induction if you are more than 34 weeks pregnant and your waters break, but labour has not started on its own after 24 hours.

  • If you and your doctor decide your labour should be started artificially, they should check your baby’s heartbeat. They should also examine your cervix.

  • During induction, you will be given drugs that act like the natural hormones that kickstart labour. These drugs are called prostaglandins.
  • Prostaglandins cerviprime gel should be inserted into the vagina as a gel, and this should be done in the morning. Your cervix should be re-examined after 6 hours. Your baby’s heartbeat should be checked again when contractions begin.
  • Amniotomy is a method of induction in which doctor artificially break the waters. After good pains ( labour pains with uterine contractions ) & cervical dilatation , ARM (artificial rupture of membrane or amniotomy ) help in augmentation of labour.

  • If you don’t go into labour after induction, your doctor will discuss this with you, and check on you and your baby thoroughly. Depending on your wishes and circumstances, they may offer you another dose of prostaglandins. In some circumstances, you may be offered a caesarean section.

  • This information aims to help you makes the best decision about your care. It is not meant to replace advice from a doctor about your own situation.