Induction of labour (IOL) is a relatively common procedure.
The IOL rate in Queensland is about 22%.
IOL is a procedure used to stimulate contractions, before labour begins on its own. It includes the use of medication or other methods to bring on (induce) labour.
The reasons that an induction could be recommended include:
Your doctor or midwife will discuss the reason for your induction at your antenatal visit.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
It is a score used by doctors and midwives to determine how ‘ready’ your cervix is for labour. It is a combination of how soft, open and thin your cervix is, and where your baby is positioned in your pelvis. The score assists in deciding which method of induction will be most successful for you.
Ripening the cervix is a process that helps the cervix soften and thin out in preparation for labour. Medications or devices may be used to soften the cervix so it will stretch (dilate) for labour.
The method of induction will depend on:
There are lots of factors involved. Some women go into labour and deliver within a few hours after induction. Others take one or two days to start labour.
Your midwife or doctor should discuss the pros and cons of any intervention so you can make an informed decision.
You should ask your doctor or midwife whether induction will:
You should also ask questions such as:
More information:
A cervical ripening balloon catheter
This is a thin tube or catheter with balloons on the end. The catheter is inserted into your cervix and the balloons are inflated with saline (salty water).
Once inflated, the balloons apply pressure to the cervix. The pressure should soften and open your cervix.
What happens next will vary for each woman – some might need an Artificial Rupture of Membranes (ARM) to break their waters. Some women might need oxytocin to stimulate the contractions.
What do I need to know?
When the catheter is in place, you will need to stay in hospital, but you can move around normally. At about fifteen hours after the catheter has been inserted or when it falls out, you will be re-examined (vaginal examination).
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
What is a prostaglandin induction?
Prostaglandin is a hormone that prepares your body for labour. A synthetic version of this hormone is inserted into your vagina, behind your cervix, using a syringe (see image).
When the prostaglandin takes effect, your cervix will soften and open.
What do I need to know?
A ‘gel’ induction can be a lengthy process, sometimes one to two days. If the process is started in the evening, you will need to rest while the gel is working. Your support person is advised to go home as there are no facilities to accommodate them overnight.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
What is Cervidil induction?
Cervidil is a tape that contains prostaglandin which is used to ripen (soften), shorten and open the cervix.
A vaginal examination is performed to assess the cervix and the tape is inserted behind the cervix.
What do I need to know?
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
What is a Syntocinon induction?
Oxytocin is the hormone that causes contractions. A synthetic version (Syntocinon) can be given to start the induction process.
Syntocinon is given through a drip, usually in your hand or arm. Once contractions begin, the rate of the drip is adjusted so that contractions occur regularly until your baby is born.
This process can take several hours.
Your baby's heart rate will be monitored throughout labour using a CTG machine.
What do I need to know?
the Syntocinon drip is only an option after your waters have broken.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
A labour that's progressing slowly can be augmented, which means certain techniques are used to speed it along.
If your cervix is opening slowly, or the contractions have slowed down or stopped, your midwife or doctor may suggest medications or techniques to speed up labour. This is known as augmentation of labour.
Methods include:
It is important to note that both induction of labour and augmentation require extra fetal monitoring.
What else can I do if my labour is progressing slowly?
Your midwife may suggest changing your position, walking around, taking a warm shower or bath, or having a massage to encourage the contractions. If you’re tired or uncomfortable, you may want to ask about options for pain relief.
Induction of labour and augmentation, 23 Mar 2023, [https://www.qld.gov.au/health/children/pregnancy/antenatal-information/induction-of-labour-and-augmentation]
This document is uncontrolled when printed. Before using the information in this document you should verify the current content on https://www.qld.gov.au/health/children/pregnancy/antenatal-information/induction-of-labour-and-augmentation.