How effective is induction of labour for overdue pregnancy?

An overdue pregnancy, also called post-term or prolonged pregnancy, has continued beyond the expected due period. The due date is an estimate, so your team first checks how the pregnancy has been dated and reviews your health, fetal movements, growth, and heart-rate assessment.

Induction may be recommended because the balance between waiting and starting birth changes as pregnancy continues. The cervix may need preparation before contractions are stimulated. This can involve a medicine or a device, followed by medication to strengthen contractions when appropriate. Labour may begin gradually, and the plan is adjusted according to your response and the baby's monitoring.

Keep appointments for antenatal checks and tell the maternity unit about any change in fetal movement, bleeding, fluid loss, or contractions. Pack what you need for a hospital stay and arrange support for travel and communication, since the timing of induction can change.

Ask your clinician when to arrive, whether cervical preparation will happen before admission, and which pain-relief options are available. The Induction of Labour guide gives more detail about the methods and stages you may encounter.

Call your maternity unit urgently if your baby is moving less than usual, your waters break, or you have vaginal bleeding. Seek prompt assessment for regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, fever, or a severe headache with vision changes.

Ask how your due date was confirmed, why induction is advised now, whether your cervix is ready, and how the baby's wellbeing will be checked. Find out what happens if the first method does not start labour, and when a caesarean birth might be considered.