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Day of induction of labour
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Induction of labour is when doctors or midwives use medicine or other methods to start labour artificially. It's done when it is safer for the baby or mother to deliver than to wait for labour to start on its own.
Key facts
Yes, about 1 in 5 births in the UK are induced, making it a routine procedure in many hospitals.
Induction of labour affects pregnant women and their babies. It is usually offered when the pregnancy has gone beyond 41 weeks, the waters have broken but labour hasn't started, or if there are maternal or fetal health concerns.
Induction is not a diagnosis; it is a decision made based on your health and your baby's well-being. Your healthcare team will assess your pregnancy using scans and monitoring.
On the day of induction, you will be admitted to the maternity unit. A doctor or midwife will explain each step. You may have a vaginal gel or tablet, a balloon catheter, or an IV drip of synthetic oxytocin. You will be monitored, and you can move around, eat light food, and have support from your birth partner.
Induction of labour uses medications or mechanical methods to start contractions. The choice depends on how ready your cervix is and your hospital's protocols.
Medical induction methods include a prostaglandin gel or tablet placed inside the vagina to soften the cervix, a hormone drip (synthetic oxytocin) given through a vein to start contractions, or a small balloon catheter inserted through the cervix to help it open. A doctor may also break your waters (amniotomy) if the cervix is already open. All procedures are explained and consent is needed.
Induction is a one-time procedure that leads to childbirth. After delivery, focus shifts to recovery and caring for your newborn.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein to help healing. Gentle walking can begin soon after vaginal birth; wait for your doctor's OK after a C-section.
Some women feel disappointed or anxious if their labour didn't go as planned. This is normal. Talk to your midwife or health visitor. If you feel very low, unable to sleep, or have thoughts of harming yourself, seek help immediately.
Induction cannot always be prevented because some medical reasons are unavoidable. However, staying healthy during pregnancy may reduce the risk of conditions that lead to induction.
Routine antenatal appointments monitor your blood pressure, urine, and baby's growth. These checks help spot problems early and may allow earlier treatment, sometimes reducing the need for induction.
For most women, induction leads to a safe vaginal birth. There is a slightly higher chance of needing a caesarean section or having a longer labour, but the overall outlook for mother and baby is very good. Your healthcare team will support you through the process.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
If induction fails or there is concern for the baby's safety, a caesarean section (C-section) may be needed. This is done under regional anaesthesia so you are awake and can hold your baby soon after.