Is induced labour painful?

Induction can feel different depending on the method used. A membrane sweep may cause mild discomfort, while oxytocin often leads to stronger, more intense contractions. Pain relief options, including epidurals, are available.

What happens if induction doesn’t work?

If the first method does not start labour, your doctor may try another. If labour still does not progress, a caesarean section (C-section) may be recommended to ensure safety.

Can I eat or drink while being induced?

In the early stages, you may be allowed light meals or drinks. As labour progresses, food may be restricted in case surgery becomes necessary.

Can movement or changing position help while being induced?

Yes, moving or changing positions can improve comfort and sometimes help labour progress.

What Is Induced Labour and Why Is It Done?

Induced labour means your doctor helps your body begin labour artificially instead of waiting for it to start on its own. To do this, medicines or other medical techniques are used to bring on contractions (labour pains).

When Is Induction Suggested?

Doctors may advise induction in several situations, such as:

Overdue pregnancy: If your pregnancy continues past 41 or 42 weeks, induction may reduce complications for you and your baby.
Medical conditions: Problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes may make induction safer than waiting.
Waters breaking early: If your waters break but labour does not begin within 24 hours, induction lowers the chance of infection.
Concerns about the baby: If your baby is not growing well, seems small for its age, or has reduced movements, induction may ensure better safety.
Placental problems: Conditions such as placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus) can cause bleeding, and induction may help prevent further complications.

How Is Labour Induced?

The method chosen depends on how prepared your cervix is — whether it has softened, opened, or thinned. Common methods include:

Membrane sweep: A gentle movement around the cervix helps release natural hormones to trigger contractions. This does not involve medicine and is often tried first.
Prostaglandins: Medicines given as a pill or placed in the vagina to soften and ripen the cervix. Sometimes these are enough to start contractions.
Balloon catheter: A small tube with a balloon is placed in the cervix. When filled with saline, it puts gentle pressure and widens the cervix.
Amniotomy: Also called “breaking your waters,” this involves using a small hook to open the amniotic sac, often making contractions stronger.
Oxytocin: A hormone given through a drip in your arm to stimulate steady contractions. It is usually used if other methods are not enough.

In many cases, more than one method may be used together to move labour along smoothly.
Also read: Induced Labour vs Natural Labour: What Really Hurts More?

What Can You Expect During Induction?

If your cervix is not yet ready, your doctor will first use ripening methods such as prostaglandins or a balloon catheter.
Once the cervix has softened and started to dilate, oxytocin or amniotomy may be added to encourage stronger contractions.
Labour induction can take several hours, and sometimes even up to 24 hours before active labour begins.

How Long Does Induction Take?

The time needed for induction to work varies greatly. Some women go into labour quickly after induction, while others take longer. Factors such as the method used, the readiness of the cervix, and how your body responds all influence how quickly labour progresses.

What Are The Risks of Labour Induction?

Labour induction is generally safe, but it does carry some risks, including:

Stronger or very frequent contractions
Changes in the baby’s heart rate
Uterine rupture (very rare)
Infection
Higher chance of needing a C-section
Heavy bleeding after birth

Induction of labour may not always be part of your original birth plan, but it is sometimes the safest option for you or your baby. It involves starting labour with medical help when natural labour does not begin on its own or when waiting could be risky. Understanding why it may be suggested, how it is done, and what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident.
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FAQs on What Is Induced Labour and Why Is It Done?

Is induced labour painful?
Induction can feel different depending on the method used. A membrane sweep may cause mild discomfort, while oxytocin often leads to stronger, more intense contractions. Pain relief options, including epidurals, are available.
What happens if induction doesn’t work?
If the first method does not start labour, your doctor may try another. If labour still does not progress, a caesarean section (C-section) may be recommended to ensure safety.
Can I eat or drink while being induced?
In the early stages, you may be allowed light meals or drinks. As labour progresses, food may be restricted in case surgery becomes necessary.
Can movement or changing position help while being induced?
Yes, moving or changing positions can improve comfort and sometimes help labour progress.

What Is Induced Labour and Why Is It Done?

Labour may not always start on its own. In such instances, healthcare providers may suggest an induction. Labour induction helps your body begin the process of giving birth with the help of medical support.

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