Induction of labour and augmentation
Risks of induction
- Your chance of needing extra pain relief is higher, because the contractions are often more painful.
- Your chance of having a caesarean birth is higher, if your labour is induced for a reason other than pregnancy lasting longer than 41 weeks, or it’s your first baby.
- Sometimes an induction doesn’t work in getting your body to go into labour (failed induction).
- As your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored with special equipment during your labour, it can be harder for you to move around and use the bath or shower for pain relief.
- Overstimulation of the uterus: this may require medications to reverse the effects of the over-stimulation or an emergency caesarean birth.
- Cord prolapse: this is extremely rare. When the waters are broken there is a very small risk of the umbilical cord slipping below the baby’s head with the fluid. This requires an immediate caesarean birth.
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