Induction of labour occurs when your doctor uses medicine to start your labour for you instead of waiting for it to begin on its own (starts your labour artificially). Labour is induced when the risks to either the mother or baby of the pregnancy continuing are greater than the risks of birth.
Reasons for Induction
Asking your doctor to start your labour early without a medical reason is not recommended. There are however a few medical reasons that lead to an induction. These include
- If you have a medical condition that may put you or your baby at risk e.g. pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) or gestational diabetes.
- If your pregnancy lasts beyond 41+ weeks, induction may be recommended as the risk of your baby developing health problems increases if your pregnancy continues beyond the due date by over 10 days.
- If your waters break before labour starts.
Tips on coping when you have to be induced
- Get continuous labour support e.g. your partner, a doula, a friend or relative.
- Try different position changes.
- Breathing and relaxation techniques.
- Eat lightly and take water.
- Ask for pain relief from your care provider when you feel you really need it.
