There are a variety of reasons why induction of labour may be needed. The most common is that you may still be pregnant two weeks after your due date. If there is a different reason, your midwife or doctor will explain.

Research indicates that the placenta becomes less efficient after 42 weeks of pregnancy. But all women are different and for some women pregnancy may extend a little beyond this time without harm to themselves or their babies. We are able to offer an alternative to induction if there are no other risk factors for you or your baby. We can offer to monitor the condition of the baby and placenta on a daily basis.

At the RVI's Maternity Unit we have an induction of labour suite where we will care for you during this process. Your birthing partner can stay with you, although if you are not in labour by the evening your birthing partner will be asked to return home so that you can both get some rest. If labour starts overnight they will be contacted.

Visitors are not allowed on Delivery Suite. There is a vending machine for drinks and snacks and you will be provided with meals throughout the day.

You will be asked to ring the Senior Midwife of the Delivery Suite at 8.00 am on the morning of your planned admission. 

Telephone:  (0191) 282 9246

When you arrive please report to Maternity Reception.

You will be shown to the Induction Suite by your midwife who will explain about the induction procedure.  She will take your blood pressure, pulse and temperature and will feel your abdomen to see how your baby is lying.

Methods of Induction

There are two methods of induction of labour.  Your midwife or doctor will explain which method is suitable for you.

• Prostin pessary in the vagina contains an artificial hormone to help soften your cervix (neck of womb) and hopefully start labour. Prostin may cause cramp like pains, backache and mild tightenings.  Simple pain relief and warm baths are sometimes effective at this stage.  We will monitor your baby’s heartbeat for about an hour after the pessary is put in place. After this time, we would encourage you to walk about.
• Artificial Rupture of Membranes (ARM or breaking the waters) is performed with an amnihook - it looks a bit like a crochet hook.  This does not hurt but may be uncomfortable.

As labour unfolds you will be moved to one of our delivery suites and you may want to think about pain relief.  Your midwife will help you decide.

Once the waters are broken, and if the contractions are slow to establish or are not strong enough, a drip will be given through a small plastic tube in the back of your hand. This is attached to a syringe pump with an artificial hormone to help your womb contract.  The drug used is called oxytocin. (brand name – Syntocinon).

The drip will usually remain in place until the birth of your baby.  During this time you and your baby will be continually monitored.