PREGNANCY
Labour Induction: Here’s What Happens When You Give Birth a Gentle Nudge
Here’s your step-by-step guide through labour induction.
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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PREGNANCY
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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You’ve been counting the weeks, timing the kicks, and folding and refolding teeny onesies. And the longer your pregnancy stretches on, the more likely it is your midwife or doctor will mention labour induction to help get things moving. But what actually happens when labour gets a little nudge? How long will it take? Will it be more painful? Let’s walk through exactly what to expect, step-by-step—so you can head to hospital feeling informed and confident.
Labour induction is the process of stimulating the uterus to start contractions before labour begins naturally. The goal is the same as spontaneous labour: a safe vaginal birth for you and your baby.
Induction may be recommended when there are health reasons for delivering your baby sooner rather than later. According to the NHS, common reasons include:
Your care team will recommend the method of induction based on how ready your body is for labour. They’ll assess your cervix using something called the Bishop Score, a 0–13 scale based on:
If your cervix scores 6 or lower, it may need a bit of encouragement to soften or open up before active labour can begin.
If your cervix isn’t quite ready, your midwife or doctor may suggest one of the following:
Once your cervix is ready, the next step is helping your body begin regular contractions. This might involve:
During an induction, you’ll usually be closely monitored to keep an eye on baby’s heart rate and how your contractions are progressing. You might be attached to a monitor with straps across your tummy or given a wireless monitor so you can stay more mobile.
Your care team may suggest changing position, using a birthing ball, or accessing pain relief options (such as gas and air, pethidine, or an epidural) to keep you comfortable.
This depends on a number of factors, including how ready your cervix is, whether it’s your first baby, and how your body responds. For some, labour may begin within a few hours; for others, the process can take a day or two.
If the initial induction methods don’t work, your care team might:
Sometimes the term “failed induction” is used—but please know: there is no failure on your part. Every birth journey is different, and your safety and baby’s wellbeing always guide the next step.
Labour induction gives nature a gentle nudge when it’s safer for your baby—or for you—to deliver sooner. The process may feel long or unpredictable, but knowing the steps ahead of time can help you feel calm and empowered. Whatever your birth story looks like, what matters most is that you and your baby are supported, safe, and celebrated.
And once your baby is earthside, our SNOO Smart Sleeper is here to help you both rest a little easier—so you can start this next chapter with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
