Induction of labour

Information about Outpatient Induction of Labour

Outpatient Induction of Labour Information
Hello, my name is Joe Murphy, and I’m one of the Induction of Labour Coordinators at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust.

For some women, outpatient induction of labour is a possible option that can reduce the amount of time spent in hospital during the induction process.

What is Outpatient Induction?
If you are having an outpatient induction, you will come to the hospital on the day of your induction for an assessment by a midwife. The midwife will check that you and your baby are well, perform a vaginal examination, and start the induction process by inserting either Propress or Diprospan.

Afterward, if there are no contraindications for outpatient induction, you may be able to return home for an agreed period. For Diprospan, you can go home for up to 12 hours, and for Propress, you can go home for up to 24 hours.

You will then return to the hospital to continue the induction process until your baby is born. However, you will need to come back to the hospital sooner if:
. You experience regular contractions
. Your waters break
. You have vaginal bleeding
. You have concerns about your baby’s movements
. You feel unwell (e.g., dizziness, fever, or palpitations)
. The Propress pessary or Diprospan tube falls out

If you have any concerns while you are at home, you can call the antenatal ward or the maternity assessment centre for advice.

Eligibility for Outpatient Induction
To be eligible for an outpatient induction, you must meet certain criteria, including:
. Both you and your baby are well, and your observations are normal
. You have had no more than three babies
. You have never had a cesarean section or uterine surgery
. You live within 30 minutes’ drive of the hospital, with access to a phone and transport
. You may also be suitable if:
. Your baby is overdue (between 41 and 42 weeks)
. You received IVF
. You have well-controlled gestational diabetes (managed with diet or metformin)
. You have well-controlled obstetric cholestasis

Important Note: If you have had a recent episode of reduced fetal movements, outpatient induction is not recommended.

Your Choice
When considering an induction, the decision to opt for outpatient induction is entirely yours. Even if you are offered this option, you can choose to stay in the hospital if that is your preference.
Further information on outpatient induction of labour can be found in the Induction of Labour patient information leaflet, or you can ask your midwife or obstetrician.