

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. If you have a health condition or your baby is not thriving If your waters break before 34 weeks, you'll only be offered induction if there are other factors that suggest it's the best thing for you and your baby. If your baby is born earlier than 37 weeks, they may be vulnerable to problems related to being premature. They should also let you know about the newborn (neonatal) special care hospital facilities in your area. Your midwife or doctor should discuss your options with you before you make a decision.

If your waters break after 34 weeks, you'll have the choice of induction or expectant management.Įxpectant management is when your healthcare professionals monitor your condition and your baby's wellbeing, and your pregnancy can progress naturally as long as it's safe for both of you. If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby.

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 you or your baby have a health problem.If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks and you decide not to have your labour induced, you should be offered increased monitoring to check your baby's wellbeing. It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not. You'll be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor and midwife, and find out why they think your labour should be induced. Induction will usually be planned in advance. This risk could be if you have a health condition such as high blood pressure, for example, or your baby is not growing. Sometimes labour can be induced if your baby is overdue or there's any risk to you or your baby's health. Every year, 1 in 5 labours are induced in the UK. An induced labour is one that's started artificially.
