When is induction of labour recommended for overdue pregnancy?

Your estimated due date is a guide, and labour does not always begin on that day. As pregnancy continues, your maternity team may offer closer checks of your wellbeing and the baby’s wellbeing. These can include checking movement, the baby’s heart rate, growth, position and the amount of fluid around the baby. The recommendation depends on how far along the pregnancy is, how confidently the dates are known, and what monitoring shows.

Ask your midwife or obstetrician why induction is being suggested now, what monitoring has shown, and whether waiting with a review plan is reasonable. They can explain cervical preparation, medicines or procedures that may be used, how labour is monitored, and what happens if induction does not start labour. Keep track of your baby’s usual movements and attend every appointment arranged for you.

Contact your maternity unit urgently if your baby’s movements are reduced or changed, your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, a severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling. Do not wait for a planned induction discussion when any of these occur.

Ask what date or finding is guiding the recommendation, how your cervix will be assessed, what alternatives are available, and which symptoms should prompt immediate attendance.