How long induction labour

To rupture the amniotic sac, an ob-gyn or other health care professional makes a small hole in the sac with a special tool. This procedure, called an amniotomy , may be done after a woman has been given oxytocin. With some induction methods, the uterus can be overstimulated, causing it to contract too often.

Too many contractions may lead to changes in the fetal heart rate. Other risks of cervical ripening and labor induction can include infection in the woman or her fetus. Sometimes labor induction does not work. Women who have induction at 39 weeks should be allowed up to 24 hours or longer for the early phase of labor. They also should be given oxytocin at least 12—18 hours after stripping of the membranes.

If your labor does not progress, and if you and your fetus are doing well after attempting induction, you may be sent home. You can schedule another appointment to try induction again. If your labor starts, you should go back to the hospital. If you or your fetus are not doing well after attempting induction, a cesarean delivery may be needed.

The fetus develops in this sac. Fetus : The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization. Gestational Hypertension : High blood pressure that is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Oxytocin : A hormone made in the body that can cause contractions of the uterus and release of milk from the breast. Placenta : An organ that provides nutrients to and takes waste away from the fetus. Preeclampsia : A disorder that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth in which there is high blood pressure and other signs of organ injury.

These signs include an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, a low number of platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, pain over the upper abdomen, fluid in the lungs, or a severe headache or changes in vision.

Prostaglandins : Chemicals that are made by the body that have many effects, including causing the muscles of the uterus to contract, usually causing cramps. Uterus : A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information. Your pain relief options during labour are not restricted by being induced.

You should have access to all the pain relief options usually available in the maternity unit. If you are induced you'll be more likely to have an assisted delivery, where forceps or ventouse suction are used to help the baby out. Your obstetrician and midwife will assess your condition and your baby's wellbeing, and you may be offered another induction or a caesarean section. You may have heard that certain things can trigger labour, such as herbal supplements and having sex, but there's no evidence that these work.

Other methods that are not supported by scientific evidence include acupuncture , homeopathy , hot baths, castor oil and enemas. Having sex will not cause harm, but you should avoid having sex if your waters have broken as there's an increased risk of infection. For more information on induction, you can read the NICE information for the public on induction of labour.

You can find pregnancy and baby apps and tools in the NHS apps library. Page last reviewed: 12 November Next review due: 12 November Inducing labour. It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not. Why you might be induced if you're overdue if your waters have broken if you or your baby have a health problem If you're overdue Induction will be offered if you do not go into labour naturally by 42 weeks, as there will be a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby.

If your waters break early If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby. If you have a health condition or your baby is not thriving You may be offered an induction if you have a condition that means it'll be safer to have your baby sooner, such as diabetes , high blood pressure or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Membrane sweep Before inducing labour, you'll be offered a membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep, to bring on labour. How labour is induced If you're being induced, you'll go into the hospital maternity unit. You should contact your midwife or obstetrician if: your contractions begin you have not had any contractions after 6 hours If you've had no contractions after 6 hours, you may be offered another tablet or gel.

What induced labour feels like Induced labour is usually more painful than labour that starts on its own, and you may want to ask for an epidural. If induction of labour does not work Induction is not always successful, and labour may not start.

If you want to carry on your pregnancy after 42 weeks, you can talk to your midwife or obstetrician. You and your baby will be monitored closely until labour starts on its own or you decide to go ahead with induction. Prostaglandins make your cervix soften and open enough to break your waters. Sometimes they can start labour. It helps trigger labour by applying pressure on the inside of the cervix and by increasing the release of your own natural hormones, prostaglandins.

This hormone is started at a very slow rate and increased slowly until you are having regular contractions. It will need to be continued throughout your labour to keep the contractions going.

If the drip is stopped, the contractions usually slow down, or stop too. Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.