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LaborWeeks 37–42

What Is Labor Induction? Why It Is Offered and How It Is Done

Induction means starting labor with medicine, a balloon or by breaking the water instead of waiting. It is offered when waiting is riskier for you or baby.

  • MyPregnancy editorial
  • Updated
  • 2 min read
  • 4 sources

Not yet medically reviewed. This article sums up published guidance from the sources at the end. It is not medical advice: follow your own midwife or doctor.

On this page
  1. Why it may be offered
  2. How it is done
  3. What to expect
Hands resting on a bare pregnant belly.
Photo by Max Böhme on Unsplash

Labor induction means using medicines or other methods to start labor. It may be recommended when your health or your baby's health is at risk, or when labor has not started on its own.

Why it may be offered

  • You are more than 41 to 42 weeks pregnant
  • Your water has broken but labor has not started
  • You have high blood pressure, preeclampsia or diabetes
  • There are problems with the placenta, or your baby is not growing well
  • There is too little amniotic fluid, or an infection of the uterus

Induction without a medical reason is called elective induction, and it should not be done before 39 weeks. In a healthy first full-term pregnancy with one baby, induction at 39 weeks may lower the chance of a cesarean birth. If there is no medical reason and you do not want an induction, you do not have to have one.

How it is done

  • Ripening the cervix: medicines called prostaglandins, placed in the vagina or taken by mouth, or a thin tube with a small balloon, help your cervix soften and open.
  • Stripping the membranes: your provider sweeps a gloved finger to separate the amniotic sac from your cervix. This may release hormones that cause contractions.
  • Oxytocin: a hormone given through an IV in your arm. Contractions usually start about 30 minutes later.
  • Breaking the amniotic sac: your provider makes a small hole in it. This is called amniotomy.

What to expect

Some people find contractions more painful with oxytocin than when labor starts on its own. You should be able to have an epidural at any time. Your contractions and your baby's heart rate will be monitored. Ask your hospital ahead of time whether you can eat once induction starts, as you may be allowed only clear liquids.

Risks include contractions that come too often, which can change your baby's heart rate, and infection.

Induction does not always work. If you and your baby are doing well and your water has not broken, you may be able to go home and come back to try again later. If you or your baby are not doing well, a cesarean birth may be needed.

Sources

  1. NHSInducing labour
  2. ACOGLabor Induction
  3. ACOGInduction of Labor at 39 Weeks
  4. ACOG8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Labor Induction

Last checked .

Written by the MyPregnancy editorial team from the sources above.

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