If your caregiver recommends inducing your labour, it is important that you obtain all the facts relating to why the induction is necessary, and exactly how the procedure(s) is carried out. Make sure your caregiver walks you through all the steps
BEFORE being admitted to the hospital, so you know what is involved.
If you feel unsure, or uncomfortable, about being induced, or the methods being used, then question the reasons around why it might be necessary and if there are any other options available. If you feel you need a second opinion, then follow your instincts.
The two main types of medical inductions are pharmacological (medications) or mechanical. Often a combination of these methods is needed to facilitate the labour to progress (or to make the induction successful).
Pharmacological methods (medications)
Pharmacological methods (using medications) for induction usually include prostaglandins or an oxytocin drip. To read about these in detail, you can click on the appropriate heading below.
Induction using prostaglandins
Induction using intravenous (IV) oxytocin (or Syntocinon)
Mechanical methods
Mechanical methods for induction usually include the caregiver breaking the waters, sweeping the membranes, or using a device (like a Foley's catheter) to physically dilate the cervix. To read more about these in detail, you can click on the appropriate heading below.
Induction by breaking the waters (or an ARM)
Induction using sweeping or (stripping) the membranes
Induction using a Foley's catheter ('Atad' double-balloon catheter and laminaria tents)