Induction

Induction is when labour is started artificially. You will be offered an induction of labour if the obstetrician or midwife who is caring for you feels that either you, your baby, or both of you, would be safer if your baby were born. There are several reasons why this may happen and it is important to understand why your doctor or midwife is suggesting induction and what methods are likely to be used.

The most common reasons for inducing labour are:

• Going over your due date (post-maturity)
• Pre-eclampsia/very high blood pressure
• Waters breaking before contractions start

• Your due date
• Reaching your due date
• Stimulating labour naturally
• Pre-eclampsia
• Waters breaking before contractions start
• Methods of inducing labour
• Risks of induction
• Wait and see