Overdue how long before induction

By Clare Wilson. Safer to be born at 40 weeks. If your pregnancy runs past its due date, how long should you wait before being induced? This seems to be the case for first-time mums, according to a review of 80, women in England.

Gordon Smith of the University of Cambridge and his colleagues found that when women aged 35 or older are induced at 40 weeks, only 0. Page last reviewed: 12 November Next review due: 12 November Inducing labour.

It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not. Why you might be induced if you're overdue if your waters have broken if you or your baby have a health problem If you're overdue Induction will be offered if you do not go into labour naturally by 42 weeks, as there will be a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby.

If your waters break early If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby. If you have a health condition or your baby is not thriving You may be offered an induction if you have a condition that means it'll be safer to have your baby sooner, such as diabetes , high blood pressure or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Membrane sweep Before inducing labour, you'll be offered a membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep, to bring on labour.

How labour is induced If you're being induced, you'll go into the hospital maternity unit. You should contact your midwife or obstetrician if: your contractions begin you have not had any contractions after 6 hours If you've had no contractions after 6 hours, you may be offered another tablet or gel. What induced labour feels like Induced labour is usually more painful than labour that starts on its own, and you may want to ask for an epidural.

If induction of labour does not work Induction is not always successful, and labour may not start. Your midwife and doctor will discuss all your options with you. Natural ways to start labour There are no proven ways of starting your labour yourself at home. Video: When would I be induced and what's involved? In this video, a midwife describes what an induction of labour is and what is involved.

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Elective labor induction is the initiation of labor for convenience in a person with a term pregnancy who doesn't medically need the intervention. For example, if you live far from the hospital or birthing center or you have a history of rapid deliveries, a scheduled induction might help you avoid an unattended delivery.

In such cases, your health care provider will confirm that your baby's gestational age is at least 39 weeks or older before induction to reduce the risk of health problems for your baby. Techniques such as exercising or having sex to induce labor aren't backed by scientific evidence.

Also, avoid herbal supplements, which could harm your baby. Labor induction isn't for everyone. For example, it might not be an option if you have had a prior C-section with a classical incision or major uterine surgery, your placenta is blocking your cervix placenta previa , or your baby is lying buttocks first breech or sideways transverse lie in your uterus.

Inducing labor is a serious decision. Work with your health care provider to make the best choice for you and your baby. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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