Being induced can seem like simply giving labour a hand with medication. And it can be as simple as that for some women but for many it involves time and a step-by-step process as their body is encouraged to go into labour.
Induction is different for everyone, in the same way as spontaneous labour is different for every woman. Some women’s bodies just need a gentle nudge with a prostaglandin pessary to get going and others need hours on an oxytocin drip.
Being in hospital can mean that you are not as relaxed as you would be at home, there are more disturbances and you may not feel able to go with what you need to do.
Here’s 3 things for you to consider if you are being induced…
- As labour is being started in hospital, rather than in the comfort of your own home it can be useful to take things in with you to be comfortable and as a distraction while you wait for labour to start. The induction space may also be a shared space so useful items can include: birth ball, pillow, headphones, eye mask, food and drinks, tablet, cards, magazine or a book. You can also go for a walk to help you to relax and encourage contractions to get going.
- It helps if you feel relaxed and rested, without holding onto any tension – so prioritising feeling safe and comfortable can make a difference to encourage your body to create oxytocin for contractions. Use your relax & breathe skills, be patient and calm and give your body the time it needs – being induced isn’t fast.
- Movement and going for a wander can help you to relax, it can provide a distraction and it may encourage your baby into a good position for birth. If you are in your own induction space, it is easier to make the space yours. If you are in a shared space you may only have the space around your bed but make that yours to move for comfort, to rest and relax and to work with your contractions when they start.
Remember
- ask questions for information and options so you have realistic expectations
- say what you need
- listen to your body to move, eat, drink and rest
- you don’t need to remain on a bed unless you want to be there or there is a medical need
- being induced can be a slow process, try to be as relaxed as possible because being tense won’t help
Birth Focus: Being Induced
For more information about:
- the reasons for being induced
- how to encourage labour to start
- how induction works
- prostaglandins
- breaking your waters
- oxytocin drip
- your options, what you can do and how you can manage induction
You can buy the digital Being Induced Guide, along with a 1:1 session to talk it through and ask questions so you are more informed, prepared and confident.
I am an antenatal & postnatal specialist, working with parents for over 20 years. Based in the Newcastle, I work with parents and organisations everywhere. Let me know if you have any questions.
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antenatal & postnatal specialist 