Initiation of labour - Induction of labour

In some cases, labor may need to be induced, in which case the body is helped in various ways to make the cervix soft and ready to open with the help of labor.

Why is childbirth induced?

In commissioning - which in healthcare is called induction - is done when there is medical or practical reasons to the need for the baby to be born.

Common causes of start-up:

• Preeclampsia (pre-eclampsia)
• Gestational diabetes
• Overcrowding (pregnancy has gone over time)
• Long water departure without going into labor

Pre-commissioning assessment

The method used depends on how mature your cervix is and if there are individual risk factors - for example, previous caesarean sections.

The midwife or doctor makes a vaginal examination to assess:

• of the cervix direction and consistency,
• how far the child's head has penetrated in the pelvic canal,
• how much cervix remains,
• and whether the womb has opened something.

The survey also notes whether the amniotic fluid has departed or whether the child's head is not fixed. Based on this, the most appropriate commissioning method is selected.

Common methods for inducing labor

There are several ways to start a labor. The method is always adapted to your body and situation.

1. Prostaglandins - medication

Prostaglandins are given either by mouth or vaginally to soften the cervix and make it more ready for opening.

• The treatment can be repeated several times.
• The midwife evaluates the contractions between doses and monitors the fetal condition via CTG.

2. Balloon catheter - mechanical dilation

If the cervix is open 1-2 cm can a balloon catheter be introduced.

• The balloon is filled with fluid and presses against the cervix.
• The pressure stimulates the body in the same way as the baby's head would.
• When the balloon pops, you are usually open 3-4 cm, which is often followed by punctures the amniotic membranes.

3. Amniotomy and analgesic drip

After that the membranes are punctured (amniotomy) wait to see if labor starts spontaneously.
If they do not, you can get pain-stimulating drip to help your body get going.

How long does a start-up take?

A start-up can take different length of time, sometimes up to several days.
It depends on how your body responds to treatment and how mature your cervix is.

💡 Tips:
Bring things that help you to relax and pass the time - music, book, snacks or something comfortable to wear.
Remember: the time you spend in hospital before active labor you would otherwise have had at home.

Important to remember

• You go not always through all the steps above - it depends on how your body reacts.
• In some cases, the cervix opens quickly after prostaglandin treatment, so that a balloon catheter is not needed.
• All decisions are made based on individual assessment and regional guidelines may differ slightly.

Want to read more about childbirth? Click on the link here!