What is induction of labour?
Labour is a natural process that normally starts on its own but sometimes needs to be started artificially. This is called induction of labour.
Information for patients
Please take a look at our information leaflet and video for more information about being induced. The leaflet includes information about the benefits and risks of induction as well as details about what happens on the day and how labour is started.
Video: Information about Induction of Labour
Information about Induction of Labour
My name is Rebecca Gray, and I’m one of the Induction of Labour coordinators at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. There are many reasons why you may be offered an induction of labour, indications for why induction may be recommended, include diabetes, post dates, reduce fetal movements, and concern regarding your baby’s growth.
In lower risk pregnancies, induction of labour is offered between 41 and 42 weeks, as the risk of stillbirth increases post 42 weeks. You will be provided with information about induction of labour and the reasons for why it has been recommended for you. It is then your choice as to whether you want to go ahead with the induction.
Although an induced onset of labour is different from a spontaneous onset of labour, it is a common process experienced by many women. The same mechanisms of labour are experienced, and the same pain relief options are available to you through an induced labour, as there would be through spontaneous labour.
With the exception of the birthing pools. In order to remain as relaxed as possible through your labour, you may wish to bring with you to hospital some relaxing music to play, an extra pillow, and some energy snacks. You are also able to remain as active as you wish through your labour in the delivery rooms using birthing balls and changing your position to feel as comfortable as possible.
A quick run through of the induction pathway involves an initial admission to the antenatal ward or delivery suite, where your observations will be taken, and your baby’s heart rate monitored, prior to a vaginal examination to assess your cervix.
If your cervix is open enough to break your waters, your waters will be broken when it is safe to do so. If your cervix is not open enough to break your waters, then you will be offered either a propess or a dilapan option, as a way of softening and dilating your cervix, to then be able to break your waters. Breaking your waters is the next step of induction, and if regular contractions are not experienced, a syntocinon hormone drip will be commenced to stimulate regular contractions for your labour to progress.
The induction pathway can vary in length, depending on each stage of the induction process. It is uncommon for your baby to be born on the same day of your admission to hospital for induction. The induction process can take up to a few days for some women as your body prepares for labour. This preparation stage of the induction may be viewed to being similar to the latent phase of a spontaneous labour, which can commonly take a few days before labour is established.
Prior to your admission to hospital for induction, you can choose to have a membrane sweep to help soften your cervix and reduce the likelihood of needing propess or dilapan, especially if more than one membrane sweep has been provided. More information around induction of labour can be found in the other bite-sized videos, in the patient information leaflet, or by asking your midwife or obstetrician.
Video: Information about Outpatient 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.