What to expect from induction of labour for an overdue pregnancy

An overdue or post-term pregnancy has continued beyond the expected time for birth. Your clinician considers your dates, fetal movements, growth, fluid around the baby and your health when discussing induction. The aim is to plan birth when waiting may offer less benefit than meeting your baby.

A cervical examination helps select the first step. If the cervix is closed or firm, a pessary, tablet or balloon may soften it; this can take time and may require reassessment. If the cervix is ready, the waters may be broken and oxytocin used through a drip. Your contractions, temperature, pulse and blood pressure are checked, while fetal heart-rate monitoring shows how your baby responds.

Confirm where to attend and what to bring, including your maternity record and regular medicines. Ask about food, drinks, movement and visiting arrangements during the induction. Agree a pain-relief plan while remembering it can change as labour develops. Continue following advice about fetal movements before admission and tell staff promptly about any change.

Contact your maternity unit for reduced or changed fetal movements, bleeding, suspected leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, fever or feeling unwell. Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, collapse, severe breathing difficulty or a seizure. Do not wait for a routine appointment if a warning sign appears.

Ask how your pregnancy dates were confirmed, why induction is recommended now, which cervical method is likely and how progress will be reviewed. Ask what happens if induction takes longer than expected, which pain-relief choices are available and when another birth plan might be considered.