7 induction facts you need to know

In my opinion, having a solid understanding about what’s involved in a medical induction - as well as being clued up on natural methods of bringing on labour - is a CRUCIAL aspect in preparing for your birth.

Why? Well, on average 1 in 5 women in the UK will require an induction – so it’s pretty common! 

Whilst it’s true that a medical induction can significantly alter the course of your labour, I truly believe that being prepared can make all the difference. 

The difference between feeling disappointed that perhaps events felt beyond your control OR having the confidence, knowledge and skills to adapt to an induction and STILL having an incredible experience.

Baby Adam

Just check out what one of our HypnoBirthing students, Valeria, said of her recently induced labour,

“The birth experience was amazing.  I was induced on August 19^th and my son Adam was born on the 22^nd.  My contractions started well - within a few hours of being induced.

The Breathing Techniques worked amazingly and the midwives did not actually believe that my labour had started!  They said that as HypnoBirthing Mums often don't show the signs of labour, they’d need to monitor my contractions to double check.

I would do the whole thing all over again, birthing is amazing, keep an open mind and whatever happens do your breathing until the end, staying calm is the best thing you can do!”

So, now that you know it’s possible to be induced and still come out smiling, let’s get started on my top 7 induction facts :)

1.  Why Would I Need To Be Induced?

The most common reason for being induced is that your pregnancy has gone over 42 weeks (depending on your hospital’s policy).  Other reasons can include special circumstances such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

2. What on Earth’s a Stretch & Sweep?

At 40 weeks your midwife will offer you a Stretch & Sweep. 

Whilst this isn’t formally considered an induction process it’s thought to help things along and involves your midwife separating the membranes surrounding your baby from your cervix. 

This helps to promote the supply of prostaglandins (hormonal fatty acids) which assist with starting your labour.

3. Pessaries

The first stage of an induction process involves the use of a pessary which is essentially a gel capsule that’s inserted into your vagina.  The pessary contains prostaglandins which help to stimulate the onset of labour.

For many women, the use of pessaries can be enough to get labour started and if so, you’re ready to go!

4.  Breaking Your Waters

If your labour hasn’t started with the use of pessaries, you may be recommended to have your waters broken.

This involves using a small instrument called an amnio hook – which looks a bit like a knitting needle with a little hook on the end – but don’t worry, using breathing techniques or gas and air can help make it more comfortable!

5.       Syntocinon Drip

If labour still hasn’t started, a syntocinon drip might be suggested. Syntocinon is a synthetic form of oxytocin (which is your body’s naturally occurring hormone responsible for establishing your contractions).

The contractions brought on with the use of the syntocinon drip can often be much more powerful than naturally occurring contractions and you’ll most likely be offered an epidural to help with the pain.

6.      Your Bishop’s Score

If induction is suggested, if might be helpful to ask what your Bishop’s Score is.  Your Bishop’s Score basically assesses your “readiness” for labour by taking into account various aspects such as cervical dilation and cervical positioning.

A higher score of approximately 8 and above is a great indication that your body is “ready” for labour.

7.      Natural Methods of Bringing on Labour

For me personally, this is SUCH an important topic and one that is unfortunately so frequently overlooked.  

I know there are lots of old wives tales out there about how to get labour started – but there are also lots of effective and easy to use techniques.

So, in next week’s blog post I’ll be letting you know which tips really are worth using and which are best left in the “Old Wives Tales” category!

I’ll also be letting you know WHEN to start using these techniques and how to get the most out of them.  

So make sure you don’t miss out!  If you want to get my next post about natural induction before it goes live, just add your email address to the comments box below and I'll send to you ahead of publication.

There you have it – my quick guide to essential induction facts.  

What I’d love you to take away from this post, is the insight that no matter what unexpected circumstances might arise in your birth, a POSITIVE experience is still possible – with the right preparation and knowledge – remember Valeria’s experience!

 

Now that you’ve read my 7 induction facts – I suggest you share them with your Birth Partner so that you’re BOTH clued up on what’s involved.

Please forward this email to a pregnant friend or share on Facebook.

Now, I’d love to hear from YOU!  I just gave you 7 facts on induction, tell me the one that stood out to you most and why in the comments section below.

Warmly,

Leyla