Learn more about labour complications. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Find out why here. Every labour and birth is unique and unpredictable, making it difficult to plan.
It is common for women to feel some level of anxiety during pregnancy; perhaps about their changing body, the health of their baby or concerns about the birth. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
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Please check and try again Agree to Terms required. Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Your name: is required Error: This is required. Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Send to: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Deciding whether to have an induced labour If you are overdue , you might decide to wait and see if labour will start naturally.
Do not be afraid to ask lots of questions, such as: Why do I need an induction? How will it affect me and my baby? What will happen if I do not have the induction? What procedures are involved and how will you care for me and my baby? What options are there to induce labour? The different ways to induce labour are listed below. Sweeping the membranes During a vaginal examination, the midwife or doctor makes circular movements around your cervix with their finger.
Oxytocin A synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin is given to you via a drip in your arm to start your contractions. Artificial rupture of membranes 'breaking your waters' Artificial rupture of membranes ARM is used when your waters do not break naturally. Prostaglandins A synthetic version of the hormone prostaglandins is inserted into your vagina to soften your cervix and prepare your body for labour.
Cervical ripening balloon catheter A cervical ripening balloon catheter is a small tube attached to a balloon that is inserted into your cervix. Induction will be offered if you do not go into labour naturally by 42 weeks, as there will be a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby.
If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby. If your waters break after 34 weeks, you'll have the choice of induction or expectant management. Expectant management is when your healthcare professionals monitor your condition and your baby's wellbeing, and your pregnancy can progress naturally as long as it's safe for both of you.
Your midwife or doctor should discuss your options with you before you make a decision. They should also let you know about the newborn neonatal special care hospital facilities in your area. If your baby is born earlier than 37 weeks, they may be vulnerable to problems related to being premature.
If your waters break before 34 weeks, you'll only be offered induction if there are other factors that suggest it's the best thing for you and your baby. You may be offered an induction if you have a condition that means it'll be safer to have your baby sooner, such as diabetes , high blood pressure or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
If this is the case, your doctor and midwife will explain your options to you so you can decide whether or not to have your labour induced. Before inducing labour, you'll be offered a membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep, to bring on labour. To carry out a membrane sweep, your midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around your cervix during an internal examination. This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix. This separation releases hormones prostaglandins , which may start your labour.
Having a membrane sweep does not hurt, but expect some discomfort or slight bleeding afterwards. If labour does not start after a membrane sweep, you'll be offered induction of labour. Induction is always carried out in a hospital maternity unit. You'll be looked after by midwives and doctors will be available if you need their help. If you're being induced, you'll go into the hospital maternity unit.
Contractions can be started by inserting a tablet pessary or gel into your vagina. Depending on the circumstances, your health care provider might:. Keep in mind that your health care provider might also use a combination of these methods to induce labor.
How long it takes for labor to start depends on how ripe your cervix is when your induction starts, the induction techniques used and how your body responds to them. If your cervix needs time to ripen, it might take days before labor begins. If you simply need a little push, you might be holding your baby in your arms in a matter of hours. In most cases, labor induction leads to a successful vaginal birth.
If labor induction fails, you might need to try another induction or have a C-section. If you have a successful vaginal delivery after induction, there might be no implications for future pregnancies. If the induction leads to a C-section, your health care provider can help you decide whether to attempt a vaginal delivery with a subsequent pregnancy or to schedule a repeat C-section.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Labor induction About. Overview Labor induction — also known as inducing labor — is the stimulation of uterine contractions during pregnancy before labor begins on its own to achieve a vaginal birth.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Uterine incisions used during C-sections Open pop-up dialog box Close. Uterine incisions used during C-sections A C-section includes an abdominal incision and a uterine incision. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Wing DA. Induction of labor. Accessed April 25, Frequently asked questions.
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