You may need to have your labour induced. This is usually carried out because you are 10 days past your due date or there is a medical problem with you or your baby. Your midwife or doctor will explain what will happen if you need your labour induced.

If you are going to be admitted to the Maternity Unit to have your labour induced you may find this information helpful. If you have any further questions or concerns please discuss these with your midwife or doctor.

During pregnancy the neck of the womb is firm and closed. At the start of labour the body produces hormones which help to soften the cervix. Tightenings or crampy pains in the womb help to soften the cervix. When labour commences and you start having regular painful contractions the cervix will start to dilate.

Labour is induced if there is a problem with either you or the baby or you are 10 days past your expected due date. If labour has to be induced a doctor will explain the reason why.

A vaginal examination will be performed by a doctor and if your cervix has softened and started to dilate you will be given a date and time to come into the Maternity Ward. When you come in, you will be admitted to the ward and later taken to the Labour Ward when suitable. Here your waters will be broken and a drip put up. This drip will have a drug added to it called syntocinon which will make contractions start. The drip starts slowly and is gradually increased, this then increases the frequency of your contractions.

If your cervix is unfavourable (closed and to the back) you will be given a date and time to come into hospital usually in the evening. You will be given a prostaglandin tablet into your vagina. This helps soften the cervix and makes labour easier to start.

After you are given this tablet you must stay in bed for one hour to allow the tablet to dissolve. During this time the midwife will record your baby's heartbeat regularly and note if you are having any contractions. You will have a monitor applied to listen continuously to your baby's heartbeat for at least 30 minutes.

If your cervix is very unfavourable it will take more than one prostaglandin tablet to make it suitable to have your waters broken. There is a limit to the number of tablets
you can be given in one day so you may be in hospital more than one day before labour begins.
A small number of women have failed inductions, do not establish or progress in labour and therefore need a caesarean section.
Labour is usually longer when it is induced and therefore you may need more pain relief.
You are more likely to have a vacuum or forceps delivery, or a caesarean section if your labour is induced.
If you are not full term your baby is more likely to develop breathing problems which may mean that your baby has to be admitted to the Neonatal Unit.