Can i choose to be induced

Some hospitals have taken recent steps to reduce unnecessary early deliveries, but too many births are still being scheduled for convenience. Carrying an infant the full 39 weeks has important health benefits for the baby and the mother. Babies induced or delivered by C-section before 39 weeks are more likely to have problems breathing and feeding, have severe jaundice, and need intensive care after birth.

They also have a higher chance of having cerebral palsy, which can affect movement, hearing, seeing, thinking, and learning. And, while the overall risk of infant death is low, it is higher for babies who are delivered before 39 weeks. Women who carry their baby at least 39 weeks also have less postpartum depression. To prepare for birth, the cervix softens and thins. As this happens, the opening gets bigger, or dilates. Inducing labour allows women to deliver their baby normally by stimulating labour contractions.

There are several medical and surgical techniques which can be used. Read more on Parenthub website. Read more on Better Health Channel website. A stretch and sweep or membrane sweep is a relatively gentle way of trying to start labour. Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks or around days from the first day of your last period, however some women go overdue. Read about the different types of intervention.

Learn more about labour complications. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Find out why here. Every labour and birth is unique and unpredictable, making it difficult to plan. It is common for women to feel some level of anxiety during pregnancy; perhaps about their changing body, the health of their baby or concerns about the birth.

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Please check and try again Agree to Terms required. Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Labor induction isn't for everyone. For example, it might not be an option if you have had a prior C-section with a classical incision or major uterine surgery, your placenta is blocking your cervix placenta previa , or your baby is lying buttocks first breech or sideways transverse lie in your uterus.

Inducing labor is a serious decision. Work with your health care provider to make the best choice for you and your baby. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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This content does not have an English version. Having sex will not cause harm, but you should avoid having sex if your waters have broken as there's an increased risk of infection. For more information on induction, you can read the NICE information for the public on induction of labour. You can find pregnancy and baby apps and tools in the NHS apps library.

Page last reviewed: 12 November Next review due: 12 November Inducing labour. It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not. Why you might be induced if you're overdue if your waters have broken if you or your baby have a health problem If you're overdue Induction will be offered if you do not go into labour naturally by 42 weeks, as there will be a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby.

If your waters break early If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby. If you have a health condition or your baby is not thriving You may be offered an induction if you have a condition that means it'll be safer to have your baby sooner, such as diabetes , high blood pressure or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Membrane sweep Before inducing labour, you'll be offered a membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep, to bring on labour. How labour is induced If you're being induced, you'll go into the hospital maternity unit. You should contact your midwife or obstetrician if: your contractions begin you have not had any contractions after 6 hours If you've had no contractions after 6 hours, you may be offered another tablet or gel. What induced labour feels like Induced labour is usually more painful than labour that starts on its own, and you may want to ask for an epidural.

If induction of labour does not work Induction is not always successful, and labour may not start. Your midwife and doctor will discuss all your options with you.