How long does induction of labour take to work for overdue pregnancy?

Induction is usually a sequence rather than one single medicine. The cervix may first need softening and opening; contractions may then be started or strengthened. Progress can pause while your maternity team checks contractions, your wellbeing, and the baby's heart rate. A cervix that is already soft and partly open may respond sooner than one that is firm and closed. The team will explain whether the plan is continuing, being adjusted, or needs another approach.

Keep your maternity unit informed about contractions, fluid loss, bleeding, and changes in the baby's movements. Follow instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and monitoring. Bring questions about pain relief and who can stay with you. Do not use home methods to start labour unless your maternity team has specifically advised them.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for heavy bleeding, severe or constant abdominal pain, trouble breathing, a severe headache or visual changes, fever, or noticeably reduced baby movements. If your waters break, tell the unit promptly, including the colour and smell of the fluid. These symptoms need assessment regardless of how long induction has been underway.

Ask which induction method is planned first, how cervical change will be assessed, when the next step may be offered, and what would lead to a caesarean birth discussion. You can also ask how monitoring will affect movement, rest, food, and pain-relief choices.