It’s been a week past the due date. Each morning begins with the hope that labour will start, but the hours pass in silence. The hospital bag is ready, but there are still no contractions. The waiting turns into worry.
Dr. Shivanjali Nayak, a trusted high-risk pregnancy doctor in Kolkata, helps expectant mothers understand when induced labour might be the safest choice for both mother and baby.
This blog explores what induced labour means, when it is necessary, how it’s done, and the possible risks. It also highlights what can be expected during the labour induction procedure.
What is Induced Labour?
Induced labour (labour induction) is a medical procedure. It involves stimulating contractions to begin childbirth before natural labour starts. They use medicines or simple medical methods to make the womb contract. These steps also help prepare the cervix for delivery. The aim is to make sure the baby is born at a safe time for both the mother and the baby, reducing pregnancy health risks.
The goal is to:
- Create regular uterine contractions.
- Soften and open the cervix.
- Deliver the baby at a safe time for both mother and child.
What is the difference between Induced Labour and Augmented Labour?
| Aspects | Induced Labour | Augmented Labour |
| Meaning | Labour does not start on its own. In this case, doctors use medicines or simple procedures to help begin it. | It begins naturally but slows down, making delivery take longer than expected. In such cases, doctors use medicines or other methods to make contractions stronger and more regular. |
Purpose | To start labour when it is safer for the mother or baby, not to wait any longer. | To make slow or weak labour progress more steadily and efficiently. |
When it is needed | Used when complications in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or low amniotic fluid, make early delivery safer. | Used when contractions become weak, irregular, or stop progressing during labour. |
Methods used | Medicines or procedures are used to trigger contractions and help the cervix open. | Medicines or techniques are used to strengthen and regulate contractions. |
Care setting | Always carried out in a hospital with fetal health monitoring to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. | Always carried out in a hospital with close monitoring of the mother and baby. |
Goal | To begin the birth process at the right time for the safety of mother and child. | To ensure labour continues smoothly and ends in a safe delivery |
| Aspects | Induced Labour | Augmented Labour |
| Meaning | Labour does not start on its own. In this case, doctors use medicines or simple procedures to help begin it. | It begins naturally but slows down, making delivery take longer than expected. In such cases, doctors use medicines or other methods to make contractions stronger and more regular. |
Purpose | To start labour when it is safer for the mother or baby, not to wait any longer. | To make slow or weak labour progress more steadily and efficiently. |
When it is needed | Used when complications in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or low amniotic fluid, make early delivery safer. | Used when contractions become weak, irregular, or stop progressing during labour. |
Methods used | Medicines or procedures are used to trigger contractions and help the cervix open. | Medicines or techniques are used to strengthen and regulate contractions. |
Care setting | Always carried out in a hospital with fetal health monitoring to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. | Always carried out in a hospital with close monitoring of the mother and baby. |
Goal | To begin the birth process at the right time for the safety of mother and child. | To ensure labour continues smoothly and ends in a safe delivery |
When is Labour induction necessary?
Labour induction is not necessary for every pregnancy. Doctors suggest it if there are medical reasons for induction, such as pregnancy complications, or if the pregnancy goes past the due date. In such cases, starting labour early can help keep both mother and baby safe.
What are the medical reasons for inducing labour?
Post-term pregnancy
When pregnancy goes beyond 41–42 weeks, it’s considered a post-term pregnancy.
- The placenta may not provide enough oxygen and nutrients.
- Risks like stillbirth and placental issues increase.
- Inducing labour at this stage helps avoid these dangers.
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
This happens when the amniotic fluid sac breaks before labour begins.
- If contractions don’t start within 24 hours, the risk of infection rises.
- Induction helps start labour to protect the mother and baby.
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure in pregnancy
A condition where high blood pressure affects the mother’s organs.
- May cause headaches, swelling, and vision problems.
- It can harm both mother and baby if untreated.
- Induction reduces the risk of seizures and complications.
Fetal growth restriction (FGR)
The baby is smaller than expected for the stage of pregnancy.
- Often due to poor placental function.
- The baby will not get enough oxygen or nutrients.
- Early delivery allows better care outside the womb.
Gestational diabetes
A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
It causes the baby to grow larger than average.
Increases the chance of birth injury.
Gestational diabetes labour induction before the due date may prevent complications.
Low amniotic fluid levels
The amniotic fluid protects the baby and supports growth.
- Low levels (oligohydramnios) can compress the cord during labour.
- This may reduce oxygen supply to the baby.
- Induction helps avoid these risks.
Placental abruption
When the placenta separates from the womb before delivery.
- It causes heavy bleeding.
- It cut off the oxygen supply to the baby.
- Often requires immediate induction or cesarean section.
Certain infections
Some infections, like chorioamnionitis, can spread to the baby.
- Symptoms include fever, rapid heartbeat, and uterine tenderness.
- Induction allows quick delivery to reduce the risk of serious illness.
How is Labour induced?
Doctors induce labour in different ways. The choice depends on the mother’s health, the baby’s condition, and the stage of pregnancy.
The method includes:
Medical induction
This method becomes necessary when complications arise in pregnancy. It is also needed when risks affect the mother or the baby.
Elective induction
This method gets scheduled in advance for non-medical reasons. Sometimes, this is done when the mother lives far from the hospital. In other cases, it may be scheduled when the delivery date is fixed with the healthcare team.
Cervical ripening techniques,
It involves medicines such as prostaglandins or special devices. These help soften and widen the cervix, making it easier for labour to begin.
Artificial rupture of membranes
It is also called amniotomy, which involves the doctor breaking the water. This helps start contractions or makes them progress faster. The method is often chosen when the cervix is already partly dilated and ready for labour.
What medications are used to induce labour?
Prostaglandins
- Used to soften and ripen the cervix.
- Given as vaginal gel, insert, or oral pill.
Oxytocin (Pitocin)
- It is given through an IV drip.
- Stimulates uterine contractions.
- It is often used after prostaglandins or when the cervix is already ripe.
Methods of Labour Induction
Membrane stripping
- The doctor sweeps a gloved finger between the amniotic sac and the uterine wall.
- This releases natural hormones to start contractions.
Foley balloon catheter
- A small tube with a balloon goes into the cervix.
- The balloon inflates to help the cervix open.
Amniotomy (breaking the water)
- The doctor makes a small hole in the amniotic sac.
- This can trigger or speed up contractions.
Consult Dr Shivanjali Nayak, a trusted high-risk pregnancy doctor in Kolkata, to know which method is safest and most suitable for your labour.
What are the risks of Induced labour?
Induced labour is generally safe but carries some risks:
- Stronger, more frequent contractions that may be painful.
- Higher chance of cesarean section if induction fails.
- Uterine overstimulation affects the baby’s heart rate.
- Infection if the water breaks too early.
- Rare drop in the baby’s oxygen levels.
Can induced labour cause complications?
Possible but rare complications include:
- Uterine rupture, especially after a previous cesarean.
- Postpartum haemorrhage.
- Fetal distress caused by reduced oxygen supply.
Methods used to induce labour
- A cervical ripening procedure helps soften and prepare the cervix for labour.
- An IV drip gives oxytocin to start contractions.
- Monitoring belts on the belly check the baby’s heart rate and contractions.
- Contractions get stronger and come closer together.
Is induced labour more painful than natural labour?
Many women find induced labour more intense. Contractions may start suddenly and be stronger.
Pain relief options include:
- Epidural anaesthesia.
- Breathing exercises.
- Walking or changing positions during early labour.
Tips for a positive induction experience
Before induction
- Pack your hospital bag early.
- Eat a light meal before arriving, unless told otherwise.
- Bring comfort items like music or a pillow.
During induction
- Walking, gentle stretches, or changing positions can help progress labour.
- Use breathing techniques to manage discomfort.
- Ask your care team about each step.
After delivery
- Rest and recover.
- Drink fluids and eat nourishing meals.
- Begin skin-to-skin bonding with your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a medical induction take?
It may take from several hours to more than 24 hours, depending on the cervix’s readiness and chosen method.
- Is artificial rupture of membranes painful?
Most women feel pressure or mild discomfort, but the procedure is usually quick.
- Does medical induction increase the chance of a C-section?
There is a higher chance if the cervix isn’t ready, but proper preparation reduces this risk.
Safe delivery with expert care
Induced labour starts childbirth before it happens naturally. Often needed for conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or postterm pregnancy. Methods include prostaglandin labour induction, oxytocin induction, or mechanical techniques. Continuous fetal health monitoring ensures safety for mother and baby.
Book an Appointment
If you are in a high-risk pregnancy or have been advised to consider elective induction or medical induction, book an appointment with Dr. Shivanjali Nayak, a trusted high-risk pregnancy doctor in Kolkata.