Induced labour

There are several reasons that make inducing labour a necessity.

Labour may need to be induced when:

If you are looking for ways that increase your chances of going into natural labour, then there are several of them that encourage a healthy pregnancy and normal labour. Some of these are:

Remember, medical intervention does not mean that you’ve done anything wrong; many women do everything perfect during their pregnancy and still have to be induced or need some form of medical intervention. Approximately one in three women will require some form of medical intervention to deliver their baby.

Some women may request to be induced for personal reasons as well; a woman may want her partner to be present for the birth of their baby (for e.g. in cases where the partner is away for military duty and would miss the baby’s birth otherwise). Complications during a previous pregnancy can be a reason for induction as well.

Induction can be done in several ways, including:

Induction usually begins with a membrane sweep. This may need to be done a few times and if it is successful and labour begins, your labour and delivery will likely progress as a normal one.

If the membrane sweep is not successful, your doctor or midwife may administer an artificial hormone to start contractions.

If administration of artificial hormones also fails to start labour then your doctor may artificially break your water, which often starts contractions. However, with this method, there are some risks involved for your baby, therefore you and your baby will be monitored to ensure that both of you are safe.

Often inducing labour causes stronger and more painful contractions and you may find that an epidural is required to help you deal with the pain. This is your choice and you can still opt for alternate methods of pain management.

If induction is not successful, you will likely be offered a caesarean and in some cases it may be medically necessary. However, many women who are induced go on to have normal labours and deliveries, with the only form of medical intervention required being the induction of labour itself.

It’s important to remember that one in three births require medical intervention and it is in no way a reflection of your abilities as a woman or mother.

However, induction without medical indication is absolutely not recommended. There are many valid reasons for inducing labour, but CONVENIENCE is not one of them.

Your goal should be to bring a healthy baby into the world. Those last few weeks, uncomfortable though they may be, allow further time for development of vital organs.

What could possibly take priority over time to allow your baby’s heart, lungs and brain to fully mature? Be patient these last few weeks. Your little one will come when he or she is ready to enter the world.