Induction
The short definition
An induction is when a doctor or midwife starts labour off deliberately, with consent, instead of waiting for it to begin on its own.
What it actually means
Labour normally starts by itself somewhere between 37 and 42 weeks. An induction is the same process started by the hospital rather than by her body.
There are three main ways, and sometimes more than one is used:
- Opening the cervix mechanically, usually with a balloon catheter.
- Breaking the waters.
- Medicine to start the contractions. One he may hear named out loud is syntocinon, which is given through a vein.
Before any of that, the cervix may need ripening — softening, thinning and beginning to open. That is a word he will hear in the same conversation.
An induction is a conversation, not an instruction. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is clear that the team explains the reason, the risks and the benefits first. Consent is sought at each step.
An induction usually happens in hospital. With some methods she can be an outpatient and go home to wait.
Where Dadda will hear it
At a late appointment, as "we might talk about an induction". Because it usually happens in hospital, it often becomes a time to be somewhere rather than a dash in the night.
He will also see the acronym IOL written on paperwork.
Not to be confused with
- Augmentation. Augmentation is speeding labour up after it has already started on its own. Induction is starting it. The methods overlap, which is why the two words get muddled.
- A caesarean. An induction is an attempt at a vaginal birth. It is a different thing, decided for different reasons.
- A gentler version of labour. Contractions in an induced labour can become strong quickly. An induced labour can be more intense and more painful than one that starts on its own.
There is also a higher chance of continuous monitoring and of asking for pain relief sooner. Worth knowing in advance: the room will be busier than he pictured.