Induction is the name given for starting off your labour artificially. It is usually recommended in the following situations:
- Because your pregnancy has gone beyond 41 weeks (New guidelines at Bath RUH Rationale and impact | Inducing labour | Guidance | NICE)
- Your waters have broken but the labour has not started
- For a variety of other reasons that would benefit you or your baby's health
This can be a time of mixed emotions for most parents. Encouraging labour to start can be a lengthy, exhausting and frustrating experience combined with the excitement of meeting your baby.
Because everyone is different it is difficult to predict how long it will take for labour to start. Being in hospital throughout the process may mean that the birth is different than you had planned. It is essential to discuss your thoughts with your partner and midwife.