Navigating pregnancy can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re faced with complex medical terminology. Three commonly misunderstood terms are “cervical ripening”, “induction of labour” and “preinduction of labour”.
Although they are related, they refer to different steps in the process of getting labour started, and it’s important to understand these distinctions as you approach delivery.
What does preinduction of labour mean?
Preinduction of labour refers to the preparation steps taken before the actual induction begins. This process includes cervical ripening, membrane sweeping, fetal monitoring, and providing informed consent and education to support a smooth, well-understood induction experience. The most significant part of preinduction is cervical ripening, which is often necessary if the cervix has not yet softened, thinned, or started to open on its own.”
It’s important to note that preinduction is not about starting contractions or active labour. Instead, it’s about preparing the body so that induction of labour can happen more effectively and safely.
The open vs. closed door metaphor
Think of labour as moving through doors, and the first door is your cervix. If it is tightly closed, it doesn’t matter how hard you push (how many contractions you have)—labour won’t progress. But if it is slightly open, it’s easier for things to move along. Cervical ripening is like unlocking and opening that door a bit, so when contractions start, they can help the baby move smoothly into the birth canal. If the cervix isn’t ready, inducing labour can make delivery harder and longer, and may increase the risk of a caesarean section. That’s why preparing the cervix through preinduction, when necessary, is such an important step.
Healthcare providers use either non-hormonal or hormonal methods for ripening the cervix. If you want to learn more about different techniques to help the cervix become more favourable for labour, please read the article on our blog here.
And what exactly is induction of labour?
Once preinduction and cervical ripening are complete, the actual induction of labour can begin. This is the process where healthcare providers actively stimulate contractions to start labour once the cervix is fully prepared. Induction is typically considered for medical reasons, such as when a pregnancy goes significantly past the due date or if there are concerns about the health of you or your baby.
Again, healthcare providers use either non-hormonal or hormonal methods to induce labour.
Non-hormonal methods might include techniques such as breaking the waters (amniotomy). Hormonal methods typically involve medications like oxytocin to trigger contractions.
Final thoughts
Just to be perfectly clear:
- Preinduction of labour = Preparing for labour induction before it actually starts. This may include evaluating the readiness of the cervix and cervical ripening.
- Cervical ripening = Preparation of the cervix during preinduction phase. This includes softening, opening and shortening of the cervix.
- Induction of labour = Actively stimulating labour to start, that means triggering labour contractions and/or breaking the waters
(Note: The term “Induction of labour” is sometimes used more broadly to refer to the entire procedure, encompassing all the steps outlined above)
Understanding the distinction between induction and preinduction, as well as the role of cervical ripening, can help you feel more informed about your (and your baby’s) big moment.
If you have questions about the process, it’s always a good idea to ask your healthcare provider. They will help guide you through these steps, ensuring that both you and your baby are as safe and comfortable as possible as you prepare for delivery.
