Induction of labour after a caesarean section

Your obstetric team reviews the reason for the earlier caesarean, the type and position of the uterine incision when known, your current pregnancy, the baby’s position, and any conditions affecting you or the baby. A planned vaginal birth after caesarean and a planned repeat [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/) have different considerations.

Some cervical-ripening medicines may not be suitable after a uterine scar. If induction is appropriate, the team may discuss a [Membrane Sweep](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/membrane-sweep/), a mechanical method, or carefully controlled [Oxytocin](/materials/oxytocin/) depending on your circumstances. The monitoring plan is part of the safety discussion.

Bring details of your previous operation if you have them, including the hospital record or discharge summary. Ask how the scar type was identified and whether your current pregnancy creates a reason to recommend birth sooner, such as [Pre-eclampsia](/conditions/pre-eclampsia/). Discuss where birth should take place, continuous fetal monitoring, pain relief, and how quickly surgery could be arranged if concerns arise.

Do not start medicines or attempt home methods to bring on labour without your maternity team’s advice. A method that is suitable in an unscarred uterus may not be appropriate after caesarean birth.

Contact maternity services urgently for sudden or persistent abdominal pain between contractions, tenderness over the scar, vaginal bleeding, faintness, new shortness of breath, or reduced baby movements. Also call promptly if your waters break or contractions become regular. Heavy bleeding, collapse, severe pain, or feeling that something is seriously wrong requires emergency help.

Ask whether induction is recommended and why, which methods are safe with your scar, how contractions and the baby will be monitored, what signs would lead to caesarean birth, and how your preferences can be included. Ask what the team knows about your previous uterine incision and whether you need a specialist review.