As your due date approaches, it’s natural to wonder what will happen if labour doesn’t start on its own.
In some cases, your body might need a gentle nudge to prepare for your baby’s arrival. That’s where labour induction comes in.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this if your pregnancy has gone past your due date, if there are health concerns for you or your baby, or if your waters have broken but labour hasn’t started.
An important step in the induction process is called cervical ripening, which helps your cervix (the opening to your womb soften and open).
Let’s explore some methods to help this process.
Mechanical methods: gentle and non-medicated
Mechanical methods help your cervix to open without using medication. These methods mimic what your body would naturally do, and many women find them a gentle way to start the process
Here are two of the methods and what you need to know about them:
- Synthetic osmotic dilator DILAPAN-S: Small, thin dilator made of synthetic material called „hydrogel“. Multiple dilators (usually 3-5) are inserted into your cervix; as they slowly absorb natural moisture, expand and help the cervix to soften and open over a few hours.
- Balloon catheter (Foley catheter): A thin catheter is placed through your cervix and balloon is filled with saline (salt water) inside your uterine cavity (the space where your baby grows). The rest of the catheter is pulled slightly tight and taped to the inner part of your thigh. The inflated balloon applies pressure to the cervix—similar to how the baby’s head would before labour—causing the cervix to open. It is good to know there are also catheters with two balloons, known as COOK balloon.
Mechanical methods help your body release its own natural hormones, which can gently encourage your labour to start on its own.
Pharmacological options: medication-based methods
Another option to consider is to use medications that help to soften and open the cervix. These are called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are natural hormones your body produces, and they have many roles, including helping start labour. However, in this case, we’re talking about when you’re given a synthetic version of this hormone.
Prostaglandins can soften your cervical tissue and also cause contractions of smooth muscles. That’s why your healthcare team closely monitors the effect of all these medications to keep you and your baby safe during the process.
There are two types:
- PGE1 (misoprostol): This is a synthetic hormone used to help ripen the cervix and start contractions. It’s taken as a tablet, either by mouth (Angusta) or inserted into the vagina.
- PGE2 (dinoprostone): Dinoprostone is also a synthetic hormone used to help ripen the cervix and start contractions. It can be given as a gel, tablet (Prostin), or a controlled-release vaginal insert, like a pessary (Propess).
Often a drug called Oxytocin (syntocinon) is discussed within the topic of induction. However, oxytocin is not a cervical ripening agent. It is a drug, that helps to start contractions to get the labour going. It might be administered once your cervix has softened and is ready for labour.
Which method is right for you?
Choosing the right method for labour induction depends on several factors, including your medical history, how ready your body is for labour, and any preferences or concerns you might have.
It’s important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider. They will consider your individual situation, the health of your baby, and what approach is likely to be the most effective and comfortable for you.
By exploring your options, you’re taking an active role in your birthing experience. And that’s something to feel good about!
