Labour Induction

As a doula, my role is not to tell you what kind of birth you “should” have. My role is to support your informed choices - to make sure you feel heard, respected, and empowered to decide what is right for you and your baby.

Induction of labour (IOL) is one of the most common interventions in UK maternity care. For some families, it is a genuinely helpful and sometimes life-saving option. For others, it can feel unexpected, overwhelming, or even pressured. What matters most is that any decision is made with clear information, consent, and support.

Let’s walk through what induction is, why it’s offered, the benefits and risks, and what the evidence actually says, so you can make the choice that feels right for your body and your baby.

What Is Induction of Labour?

Induction of labour means starting labour artificially rather than waiting for it to begin on its own. In the UK, this is usually carried out in a maternity unit and may involve one or more of the following methods:

• Membrane sweep (a vaginal examination that may stimulate natural hormone release)

• Hormonal methods such as prostaglandin pessaries, tablets or gels

• Mechanical methods, including balloon catheters to help the cervix open

• Artificial rupture of membranes (breaking the waters)

• Intravenous oxytocin (syntocinon) to stimulate contractions

The aim is to encourage the cervix to open and contractions to begin (NHS, 2023).

Why Is Induction Offered in the UK?

Induction is usually discussed when continuing the pregnancy may carry greater risks than giving birth. Common reasons include:

1. Going beyond 41 weeks of pregnancy

In the UK, induction is often offered from 41 weeks because the NHS suggest that the risks of stillbirth, neonatal complications, and placental insufficiency gradually increase after this point (NHS, 2023). NICE guidance recommends discussing induction at 41 weeks while supporting informed choice about whether to proceed (NICE, 2021).

2. Waters breaking without labour starting

If your waters break and labour does not begin within around 24 hours, induction may be recommended to reduce the risk of infection for both parent and baby (NHS, 2023).

3. Medical concerns for parent or baby

Induction may be advised if there are conditions such as:

• Pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure

• Diabetes in pregnancy

• Concerns about baby’s growth or wellbeing

• Reduced movements or changes in monitoring

These recommendations aim to reduce potential harm when continuing the pregnancy may increase risk (NHS, 2023; NICE, 2021).

You Always Have a Choice

This is something I say often as a doula: an offer is not an obligation.

NICE guidelines emphasise that induction should only be undertaken after a clear discussion of:

• Why it is being recommended

• What the benefits might be

• What the risks are

• What alternatives exist, including waiting longer with monitoring

  
  

This process, often called shared decision-making, recognises that clinical evidence, professional expertise, and your personal values all matter equally (NICE, 2021). Informed consent is not just a formality; it is a fundamental part of respectful maternity care.

What Are the Possible Benefits?

For some families, induction can:

• Reduce risks associated with prolonged pregnancy

• Lower the chance of complications related to infection after waters break

• Improve outcomes when medical conditions are present

• Provide reassurance when there are concerns about baby’s wellbeing

In these situations, induction can be a positive, protective intervention.

Risks and Realities of Induction

While induction can be beneficial, it is also important to understand its possible downsides.

More intense labour

Research and clinical experience both show that induced contractions can feel stronger, longer, and more painful than spontaneous labour. This often leads to higher use of pain relief, including epidurals (NCT, 2022).

Increased chance of further interventions

Induced labour may increase the likelihood of:

• Continuous monitoring

• Assisted vaginal birth (forceps or ventouse)

• Caesarean section

  
  

This varies depending on individual circumstances, cervical readiness, and the methods used, but it is a pattern consistently reflected in maternity care data (NCT, 2022).

Induction doesn’t always work

Sometimes, despite multiple methods, labour does not establish. When this happens, care providers may recommend additional induction methods or a caesarean birth (NHS, 2023). Knowing this possibility in advance can help you feel more prepared.

What About “Natural” Ways to Start Labour?

You may hear about things like spicy food, herbal remedies, sex, reflexology, or certain exercises as ways to “naturally induce” labour.

From an evidence-based perspective:

There is no strong research showing that these methods reliably start labour.

Some approaches may be harmless, but others can carry risks, especially supplements or herbal preparations. NHS guidance advises discussing any method with your midwife or doctor before trying it (NHS, 2023).

A Doula’s Perspective: Why Your Experience Matters

Birth is not just a medical event; it is a deeply personal, emotional, and transformative experience. Whether your labour begins spontaneously or through induction, what shapes your birth most powerfully is:

• Feeling listened to

• Having your questions answered honestly

• Being supported in your decisions

• Knowing that your body and autonomy are respected

  
  

Induction is neither “good” nor “bad” in itself. For some, it brings relief and safety. For others, it can feel rushed or overwhelming. Both experiences are valid.

What matters is that you are not simply told what will happen, but invited into the conversation about what you want, what you are comfortable with, and what feels right for your family.

Final Thoughts

You deserve care that is:

✔ Evidence-based✔ Compassionate✔ Respectful of your autonomy

Whether you choose to wait for labour to begin naturally or decide that induction is the best option for you and your baby, you are allowed to ask questions, take time to decide, and request support.

Your body. Your baby. Your birth.

And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

References

NCT (2022) Induced labour and membrane sweeps: reasons, benefits and drawbacks. Available at: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/labour-birth/what-happens-labour-birth/induced-labour-and-membrane-sweeps-reasons-benefits-and-drawbacks (Accessed: 13 January 2026).

NHS (2023) Inducing labour. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/inducing-labour/ (Accessed: 13 January 2026).

NICE (2021) Inducing labour (NG207). London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng207 (Accessed: 13 January 2026).