Understanding Induction Methods

From me, @happysoulmama — your doula in Hackney and beyond

Birth is powerful. But sometimes, birth is nudged along with interventions like induction.

Induction means starting labour artificially, rather than letting it begin on its own. It’s sometimes offered for genuine medical reasons — but often suggested because of dates, hospital policies, or fears based on general statistics (not always your individual reality).

Every induction is a choice. You deserve to understand what’s being suggested, why, what the risks are, and whether it feels right for you and your baby.

Here’s a simple overview of the common types of induction, and some important things to think about.

1. Membrane Sweep

What it is:

A midwife or doctor inserts a gloved finger into your cervix and sweeps around to separate the membranes, aiming to stimulate labour hormones.

Why it’s offered:

To encourage labour without needing a full medical induction.

Things to know:

• It is a form of intervention, even though it’s sometimes described as “natural.”

• It can cause discomfort, bleeding, and cramps.

• If your body isn’t ready, it might not work — leading to repeated sweeps or more intervention.

• Every cervical check carries a risk of infection, especially if your waters have already broken.

• Emotionally, a sweep can bring false hope or disappointment if nothing changes.

You can say yes, no, or ask for more time. Trust your body’s own timeline.

2. Pessary Induction

What it is:

A gel, tablet, or tampon-like insert containing synthetic prostaglandins (sometimes pig-derived) placed in the vagina to soften and open the cervix.

Why it’s offered:

To prepare the cervix and hopefully trigger contractions.

Things to know:

• May take hours or days to work.

• Can cause strong, irregular, uncomfortable contractions without much cervical change.

• Increases risk of uterine hyperstimulation (too many contractions too close together), which can distress baby.

• Once started, it can feel hard to pause or stop the process.

You can ask for alternatives or more time if all is well with you and baby.

3. Misoprostol

What it is:

A drug used for labour induction either vaginally or orally — not originally designed for labour.

Why it’s offered:

To start strong contractions.

Things to know:

• Not licensed for labour induction in many countries.

• Linked to risks including uterine rupture, fetal distress, and maternal deaths.

• Hard to control or reverse once given.

You can always ask about safer alternatives. You never have to say yes immediately.

4. Drip Induction (Syntocinon / Pitocin)

What it is:

A synthetic form of oxytocin (your body’s natural labour hormone) given through an IV drip.

Why it’s offered:

If labour hasn’t started after other methods or is seen as “too slow.”

Things to know:

• Can lead to very intense, frequent contractions.

• Often increases requests for epidurals (which can slow things down again).

• Higher risk of assisted delivery (forceps, suction) and Caesarean.

• May disconnect you from the natural sensations of labour.

Advocacy Tip:

You can ask for a very low-dose drip to start gently, allowing your body’s natural oxytocin to join in.

You can also ask to try movement, rest, hydration, or emotional support first if baby and you are still well.

Advocacy Note:

You always have the right to ask:

• “Is there a gentler option?”

• “Can we start with the smallest possible dose?”

• “Can we give my body a little more time?”

You are not being difficult — you are being deeply wise.

Your body, your baby, your choices.

5. Pushing Too Soon (An Overlooked Intervention)

What it is:

Being told to start pushing based on dilation (like “You’re 10cm, push now!”) instead of waiting for your natural urge — the Fetal Ejection Reflex.

Why it happens:

Time pressure, hospital routines, or misunderstandings about the natural stages of labour.

Things to know:

• You might be fully dilated but not ready emotionally, physically, or positionally.

• Forced pushing can cause cervix swelling, exhaustion, or a cascade of further interventions.

• Waiting for your body’s own urge often leads to easier, shorter, gentler births.

You can ask to ‘labour down’ and wait for your body’s wisdom.

Final Thoughts

Induction can sometimes be necessary — and sometimes it’s suggested out of routine rather than true need.

You always have the right to ask questions, seek alternatives, and stay connected to your instincts.

Birth flows best when you feel respected, heard, and supported — not rushed or pressured.

Your journey into motherhood deserves all the care, space, and trust in the world.

You are powerful, wise, and capable.

With love,

@happysoulmama

(Doula for Hackney, Stoke Newington, East London and beyond)