Types of Induction for Labour

If the cervix is not ready, a clinician may use a membrane sweep, a medicine such as misoprostol, or a balloon catheter to encourage softening and opening. Once the cervix is favourable, the waters may be broken, followed by an intravenous oxytocin infusion if contractions need help to begin or become regular.

The choice depends on your pregnancy, cervical findings, the baby’s position, previous uterine surgery and why birth is being recommended. Pre-eclampsia is one situation in which the maternity team may discuss planned birth. Induction can take time, and a caesarean section may be considered if labour does not progress or vaginal birth becomes unsafe.

Ask why induction is recommended, which method comes first and how your baby will be monitored. Discuss pain relief, eating and drinking, movement, expected timing and what happens if the first method does not work. Bring your medication list and tell the team about allergies, prior caesarean birth and any concerns about the proposed medicine.

Tell the maternity team immediately about heavy bleeding, severe constant abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, faintness, reduced or changed fetal movement, or contractions that feel unusually intense or close together. After going home following a procedure, contact the maternity unit for leaking fluid with concerning colour or smell, fever, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.

Why is induction advised now? Is my cervix ready? Which method is recommended and what are the alternatives? How will contractions and the baby be monitored? When would caesarean birth be discussed?