Induction of labour and augmentation
Methods of induction
Balloon catheter
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
Prostaglandins (‘gel’)
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.
- you may need up to three doses (given every six to eight hours) over 12 to 24 hours
- some women may need an ARM to break their waters
- the gel may start your labour but you may still require other methods of induction, such as an ARM and/or a Syntocinon infusion.
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
Cervidil induction
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.
- the end of the tape will be visible at the opening of the vagina similar to a tampon string
- your baby will be monitored by a CTG machine for a minimum of 20 minutes (monitors strapped to your abdomen)
- the Cervidil tape remains in for up to 24hrs
- this may cause backache or ‘period-like’ pains.
What do I need to know?
- once the induction process has started you will need to remain in hospital
- some women will react to the Cervidil and have nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, or facial flushing (this is rare)
- the Cervidil may start your labour but you may still require other methods of induction, ARM and/or a Syntocinon infusion.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
Syntocinon (oxytocin) infusion
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?
- you are attached to a drip and the CTG monitor which can affect your ability to move around during labour
- sometimes oxytocin can cause the uterus to contract too frequently, which may affect the pattern of your baby's heartbeat. If this happens, you may be asked to lie on your side and the drip will be slowed to reduce the number and strength of your contractions
the Syntocinon drip is only an option after your waters have broken.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour
In this guide:
- Why are inductions needed?
- Frequently asked questions – inductions
- Questions to ask about induction of labour
- Methods of induction
- Risks of induction
- Augmentation of labour