Understanding Induction of Labour: Guidelines, Pros, and Cons for Birth and Postnatal Experience

As your due date approaches, you might be told you “need” to be induced — often without much context or room for discussion. But induction of labour isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s important to understand your rights, the evidence, and your options before making any decisions.

Let’s dive into what induction really means, when it's genuinely needed, and when you might want to pause and ask a few more questions.

💡 What Is Induction of Labour?

Induction is the process of starting labour artificially. It can involve:

• A membrane sweep

• Hormonal pessaries, gels or tablets

• Breaking your waters (ARM)

• A synthetic oxytocin drip

Induction may be offered if you go over 41 weeks, if your waters have broken and labour hasn’t started, or if there are concerns about your or your baby’s health. But — and this is key — being “offered” induction is not the same as needing one.

📋 What Do the NICE Guidelines Say?

According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence):

• Induction should be offered, not pushed.

• You should receive clear information on the risks and benefits, and be given time to make an informed choice.

• You have the right to decline induction and opt for expectant management (waiting for labour to start naturally), provided it is safe to do so.

Sadly, we’re seeing more and more routine inductions being suggested without a personalised discussion, and often before 40 weeks — especially in cases of maternal age, IVF pregnancies, or large/small babies — despite little to no strong evidence to support induction in these situations.

When Induction Might Be Helpful

• You’re over 41 weeks, and risks of stillbirth may increase.

• Your waters have been broken for over 24 hours without labour starting.

• There are clear medical concerns — such as pre-eclampsia, reduced fetal movements with abnormal monitoring, or growth restriction.

When to Pause and Ask Questions

• You’re being told to induce “just in case” or “because you're older.”

• You feel rushed or pressured into booking a date.

• You haven’t had a full explanation of risks, benefits and alternatives.

• You’re not being offered time to make a considered choice.

  
  

You can always ask:

• “What are the risks of waiting and being monitored?”

• “Is this recommendation based on NICE guidance or local policy?”

• “Can I have some time to think about it and discuss with my partner?”

Induction Isn’t a Guarantee of a Smoother Birth

Induction can be a long process, sometimes taking days, and it often leads to stronger, more intense contractions, increased pain relief needs, and higher chances of intervention (like assisted delivery or caesarean).

That doesn’t mean induction is always bad — but it isn't a shortcut, and it’s not always the gentlest option.

The Birth & Baby Academy Has a Whole Section on This

Inside The Birth & Baby Academy, we go deep into induction — including:

• What each method involves

• What the evidence says

• How to advocate for yourself

• How to make induction as calm and positive as possible if you do choose it

🎥 And if you’re not ready for the full course just yet, grab our free video guide “Take Control of Your Birth” — it’s packed with practical ways to feel confident and informed as your birth approaches.

Final Thoughts

Induction of labour is a valid and often necessary tool — but it should never be routine or automatic. You deserve personalised care, evidence-based information, and a say in how your labour unfolds. The best outcomes happen when decisions are made together, with trust and collaboration.