Welcoming your little one into the world is an exciting and emotional journey, but if your doctor has mentioned induction of labour (IOL), you might have a lot of questions—or even a few worries. Maybe you’ve heard stories from friends or read somewhere that induction is a quick procedure, done in an hour or two. The fact is, about 1/3 of all pregnancies nowadays need to be induced and the process might take from few hours to few days. But keep in mind that induction is an opportunity for natural vaginal birth.
Let’s sit down together (at least virtually!) and clear up some of those myths. Induction isn’t about rushing things—it’s a process designed to work with your body, step by step, to help prepare for a safe and gentle delivery. Think of it as your body getting all the time it needs to open the door for your baby’s big debut.
Why induction takes time
Labour is a journey, not a sprint. When your body is not naturally ready for labour, induction doesn’t start with contractions. Instead, the process begins with preparing your cervix (the door to your womb) —a crucial first step often overlooked in expectations about IOL. Think of your cervix as a locked door. Before you can walk through it, the door needs to be unlocked and gently opened.
This initial phase is called cervical ripening. Cervical ripening involves softening and thinning the cervix to prepare it for dilation (opening). Various methods can be used, but not all are available for all women. One of the options for cervical ripening is Dilapan-S. You can read more about what makes Dilapan-S special here.
Rushing the process of cervical ripening can lead to complications, which is why speed is not the goal. Instead, a slow and steady approach allows your body to respond naturally, reducing stress and increasing the chances of a positive birth experience.
After cervical ripening: What comes next?
Once your cervix is ready (the door to your womb is opened), the next steps focus on encouraging contractions and active labour. These may include breaking your waters (if it hasn’t happened naturally) or using medications like oxytocin to stimulate contractions. Again, the pace here depends on how your body responds. Some women progress quickly, while others may need more time. Both is completely fine!
We understand it may feel long, but each step serves a purpose: giving your body the time it needs to prepare for a smooth and natural vaginal delivery.
The advantage of patience
Though it may be tempting to wish for a quick solution, taking the time to let your body adjust offers significant advantages. Try to remember:
- A slow and gentle process may decrease the risk of certain complications.
- You can feel more in control and less anxious when the induction process is unrushed.
- By allowing your body to respond naturally, you can set the stage for a smoother delivery.
Takeaway: Trust the process
Labour induction is a careful dance between your body, your baby, and your healthcare team. By understanding why induction takes time and choosing reliable, effective methods like Dilapan-S, you can embrace the process with confidence. If you want to see more about how your induction with Dilapan-S could look like, click here!
If you’re facing induction, know that every step is designed with your well-being in mind. Slow and steady is a relevant alternative when it comes to bringing new life into this world.
