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Induced labour

4-minute read

Induced labour, often called an induction, is when you are given medical treatment to start your labour. Induced labour may be recommended if it would be better for you or your baby for the birth to occur sooner, rather than waiting for labour to start naturally.
What is an induced labour?

Labour normally starts naturally any time between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. The cervix softens and starts to open, you will get contractions, and your waters break.

In an induced labour, or induction, these labour processes are started artificially. It might involve mechanically opening your cervix, breaking your waters, or using medicine to start off your contractions — or a combination of these methods.

In Australia, about 1 in 3 women has an induced labour.
What are the differences between an induced and a natural labour?

An induced labour can be more painful than a natural labour. In natural labour, the contractions build up slowly, but in induced labour they can start more quickly and be stronger. Because the labour can be more painful, you are more likely to want some type of pain relief.

If your labour is induced, you are also more likely to need other interventions, such as the use of forceps or ventouse (vacuum) to assist with the birth of your baby. You will not be able to move around as much because the baby will be monitored more closely than during a natural labour.
When is induced labour recommended?

You will only be offered induced labour if there is a risk to you or your baby's health. Your doctor might recommend induced labour if:

you are overdue (more than 41 weeks pregnant)
there is a concern the placenta is not working as it should
you have a health condition, such as diabetes, kidney problems or high blood pressure
the baby is making fewer movements, showing changes in its heart rate, or not growing well
your waters have broken, but the contractions have not started naturally
you are giving birth to more than one baby (twins or multiple birth)

Not everyone can have an induced labour. It is not usually an option if you have had a a caesarean section or major abdominal surgery before, if you have placenta praevia, or if your baby is breech or lying sideways.
What to expect

During the late stages of your pregnancy, your healthcare team will carry out regular checks on your health and your baby's heath. These checks help them decide whether it is better to induce labour or to keep the baby inside. Always tell your doctor or midwife if you notice your baby is moving less than normal.

If they decide it is medically necessary to induce labour, first your doctor or midwife will do an internal examination by feeling inside your vagina. They will feel your cervix to see if it is ready for labour. This examination will also help them decide on the best method for you.

There are different options for inducing labour and you may need a combination of treatments.

It can take from a few hours to as long as 2 to 3 days to induce labour. It depends how your body responds to the treatment. It is likely to take longer if this is your first pregnancy or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.
Pain relief during induced labour

Induced labour is usually more painful than natural labour. Depending on the type of induction you are having, this could range from discomfort with the procedure or more intense and longer lasting contractions as a result of the medication you have been given. Women who have induced labour are more likely to ask for an epidural for relief.

Because inductions are almost always done in hospital, the full range of pain relief should be available to you. There is usually no restriction on the type of pain relief you can have if your labour is induced.
Risks when inducing labour

There are some increased risks if you have an induced labour. These include that:

it will not work — in about 1 of 4 cases, women go on to have a caesarean
your baby will not get enough oxygen and their heart rate is affected
you or your baby get an infection
your uterus tears
you bleed a lot after the birth

What happens if the induction does not work?

Not all induction methods will work for everyone. There are several different types of induction. Your doctor may try another method, or you might need to have a caesarean. Your doctor will discuss all of these options with you.
Sources:
Raising Children Network (When your baby is overdue), NHS Choices (UK) (Inducing labour), NSW Health (Having a baby), The Royal Women's Hospital Victoria (Induction of labour), The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Induction of labour), March of Dimes (Inducing labor), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (Australia's mothers and babies 2015: In brief)

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Last reviewed: April 2021