Induction of labour procedure

At the hospital, the team reviews why induction is recommended, checks your observations and monitors your baby's heart rate. An examination assesses how soft, thin and open the cervix is. If it is not ready, the team may offer a membrane sweep or medicine to prepare it. Once the cervix is favourable, the waters may be broken and an Oxytocin infusion may be used to encourage regular contractions. Pain relief and monitoring are discussed throughout. If labour does not progress or concerns arise, the birth plan is reassessed, which may include Caesarean Section.

Before admission, ask whether you should eat, drink or take your usual medicines. Bring your maternity records and a support person if the unit allows one. Tell staff about allergies, previous uterine surgery, bleeding, leaking fluid and changes in movements. Plan for the possibility that the process takes time and involves more than one assessment. You can ask the team to explain each examination, the reason for a medicine and the available pain-relief choices.

Seek urgent maternity advice for bleeding, leaking fluid, regular contractions, severe abdominal pain, fever, faintness or reduced baby movements. During the procedure, report sudden pain, contractions that feel unusually close together, breathlessness or any concern about your baby immediately. If you are sent home between stages, follow the unit's return instructions rather than waiting for the next appointment when symptoms change.

Ask why induction is advised now, which stage comes first, how progress will be checked, what pain relief is available and what happens if the cervix does not respond. Ask who will make decisions if monitoring changes and how your support person can be involved.