Inductions

Induction is the initiation of labour by artificial means. There are many circumstances when an induction of labour may be advised. Common reasons include going over your due date, or when your waters have broken but you have not gone into labour yourself. Generally inductions are advised when it is more beneficial to get the baby delivered than to prolong the pregnancy. It is important that the reason for inducing and the procedures to be used are fully understood by a couple. This will prevent any unnecessary anxiety and make you feel more in control. Inductions are carried out in hospitals, where you and your baby can be closely monitored. Usually a pessarie is inserted into the birth canal, this pessarie contains a hormone that will stimulate your body to go into labour. Another method used is to break your waters (if the cervix is favourable) and use an intravenous drip called syntocinon. It is not uncommon for the process to take a day or two to work for some women. Syntocinon is a drug used if labour has slowed down or stopped or if the contractions are not dilating the cervix. It is the artificially version of the hormone that your body naturally produces to contract the womb, and is administered by in a drip. Monitoring During your labour you and your baby will be monitored closely. Midwives will check your blood pressure, temperature and pulse. She will also monitor the contractions and the progress of your labour. The baby is also assessed during the labour by monitoring its heart rate.

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