Why an induction of labour may be offered or advised

Induction of labour means encouraging your labour to begin when it hasn't started naturally. In the UK, about 30 in 100 women have an induction of labour. You might be offered induction if: • You're overdue (past 41 weeks). • Your water breaks before labour. • You have certain health conditions. • Concerns about your baby's health. • You are expecting more than one baby. • You're 40 or older. • You request induction. Each pregnancy is different, you can discuss what's best for you based on your health and the baby's wellbeing with your midwife/doctor.

There are different ways of starting labour depending on the readiness of the neck of your womb (cervix), your pregnancy history and what is available at your hospital. Before an induction, a stretch and sweep (membrane sweep) can be offered which involves using a finger to separate the membranes around the baby from the neck of the womb (cervix). This is usually offered after 39 weeks of pregnancy, but can be offered earlier. Medication can be placed inside your vagina or cervix, or a device (either a balloon or dilators) can be placed inside the neck of your womb (cervix). This is called cervical ripening. You may have the option to go home or stay in hospital. Talk to your midwife or doctor about this. These methods can take up to 24 hours. If they do not work the first time, you may need to try the same or another method. Talk to your midwife or doctor about what is available at your trust and what the best option is for you. Once the neck of your womb (cervix) is open enough, your midwife/doctor will offer to break your waters (amniotomy/artificial rupture of membranes). This may start contractions. If contractions do not start, your midwife/doctor will recommend the hormone drip (oxytocin) to speed up labour and reduce the risk of infection. This acts like the natural oxytocin in your body. If labour does not commence despite being induced, a doctor will discuss with you what your options are going forward. Depending on your specific case they may offer you: - Further attempt at inducing labour using a different method. - A period of rest and then revisit your options. - Seeing if you go into active labour on your own. - A Caesarean birth. You may want to try alternative methods for inducing labour. Some of the commonly mentioned methods are listed below: -Herbal Supplements -Acupuncture/Acupressure -Homeopathy -Castor Oil, Hot Baths, and Enemas -Sexual Intercourse -Breast/Nipple Stimulation -Hypnosis -Raspberry Leaf Tea -Curry (Spicy Foods) There is no evidence that these methods work.