Induction of Labour

Induction of Labour
Induction is when labour is started artificially. There are many reasons why you may need to be induced, but by far the most common reason for induction is when a pregnancy has continued past 40 weeks. Other reasons for induction may include poor foetal growth, foetal distress and a number of medical conditions including pre-eclampsia (toxaemia) and gestational diabetes.

In some cases, it may be safe to wait up to 14 days after the due date, but in most cases labour is induced sometime between 7-10 days. When a pregnancy continues after 40 weeks, there is a risk that the placenta will deteriorate and therefore not supply sufficient nutrients to the baby. If you do go over your due date, you can expect to have more frequent check-ups with your LMC, and possibly an ultrasound or CTG monitoring to ensure that baby is still growing well and is not distressed.

If you are past your due date and labour has not started, your LMC may perform a membrane sweep to try and start labour naturally. A membrane sweep is where the LMC uses a finger to 'sweep' the opening of the cervix, this can sometimes cause labour to start within a few hours.

If your labour is to be induced, an appointment will be made for you at the hospital where you will give birth. Inductions are always carried out in hospital, in case of complications.

If you are close to, or past, your due date, your LMC may rupture your membranes as a way of starting labour. This involves a small instrument that looks like a crochet needle being used to puncture the amniotic sac. In many cases, this is enough to start contractions. However, once your membranes have been ruptured, the chance of infection greatly increases so should labour not start within 24 hours it is likely you will be given drugs to induce labour.

The induction process usually begins with the insertion of prostaglandin gel into the cervix. Prostaglandin is a collection of hormones which are known to start labour. After the gel is inserted, you will be free to move around, and in some cases, may even be allowed to leave the hospital and go home. The gel can take several hours to have effect.

Should the prostaglandin gel not work, the next step is to induce labour using drugs. Drugs used to induce labour include Syntocinon and oxytocin. These drugs are usually administered by drip, and you will have to stay at the hospital. It is likely that you will also be attached to a CTG monitor to record baby's heartbeat in case of foetal distress.

Women who have been induced using these drugs report shorter labours, with much more intense contractions, and less time in between contractions. Women who are induced are also more likely to require pain relief due to the rapid onset and intensity of contractions.

Induction is something which should be discussed with your LMC several weeks before your due date. You should discuss how you feel about the possible need for induction, and how long over your due date you should go before induction should be considered. This should be included in your birth plan.