What is meant by “induction of labour”? 

Induction of labour may be defined as an intervention designed to artificially initiate uterine contractions leading to progressive dilatation and effacement of the cervix and birth of the baby. This includes both women with intact membranes and women with spontaneous rupture of the membranes but who are not in labour.

As with any other intervention, induction of labour may have unwanted effects. Induction of labour is indicated only when it is agreed that the mother or fetus will benefit from a higher probability of a healthy outcome than if birth is delayed. The process of induction of labour should only be considered when vaginal delivery is felt to be the appropriate route of delivery.

About 20% of pregnant women will have labour induced for a variety of reasons. Induction does not usually involve just a single intervention but is a complex set of interventions and, as such, presents challenges for both clinicians and mothers.