Inducing labour

Norgine Pharmaceuticals provided a Grant to support the development of this material. Norgine had no editorial control or scientific input into this material.

What is induction of labour?

Most women and birthing people go into labour by themselves, but in some cases a doctor or midwife may take steps to bring labour on. This is called induction of labour.

You may be offered an induction because you have asked for one, or because your doctor thinks it’s the right thing for you. Sometimes it is hospital policy to offer an induction to everyone in certain situations, including if:

•    you are ‘overdue’ (you are a week or more past your 40 weeks due date)
•    your waters break early
•    you or your baby have a health problem.

Read about other reasons for induction of labour here.

It is sometimes the case that your baby is safer being born rather than staying in your womb, and there’s a medical reason for that happening soon.

Some women and birthing people say they were ‘told’ they were having an induction, rather than being offered one. This is wrong. It is your decision. You should always be given the information you need to make a choice that feels right for you and your baby, based on your own situation. Read about making decisions in pregnancy here.

Ways of inducing labour

There are lots of ways to induce labour. Doctors will usually suggest doing a membrane sweep (sometimes called a ‘stretch and sweep’ or ‘cervical sweep’). Your doctor or midwife will gently insert their gloved finger into the vagina and sweep around the neck of your womb (the cervix).

A membrane sweep might bring on labour without needing a medical induction. 

If a membrane sweep doesn’t work, a medical induction may be offered. Types include a balloon catheter, a cervical rod, and synthetic hormones. You can learn more about these types of induction here.

Some risks are linked to specific ways of inducing labour. General risks include:

•    the induction not working, and in some cases a c-section being needed
•    labour being more painful because of induction
•    being more likely to have an assisted birth, where doctors use instruments to deliver a baby. This It can increase your risk of a perineal tear (a tear of the skin/ muscle between your vaginal opening and your anus.)

Read more about induction of labour and risks involved here.

You may have heard about ways to bring on labour yourself at home. These mostly haven’t been proven by research so aren’t recommended by health care experts. Some of them are safe to try though, if you’d like to. You can read about safe ways to try to induce labour here.

If you have questions about induction of labour, you can speak to our midwives on 0800 014 7800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or email us at [email protected].