Labor Induction Procedure

At Banner Health we want you to have a safe, positive birthing experience. In some situations, your care team may recommend labor induction to support your health or your baby’s health. We are here to guide you through the process and help you understand what to expect. 

What is labor induction? 

Labor induction is a medical process used to start or speed up labor. Your provider may suggest induction when continuing the pregnancy could pose risks to you or your baby. Induction can also help if labor does not begin on its own after your water breaks. 

Reasons your provider may recommend induction 

Labor induction may be recommended when the health of the pregnant person or the baby is at risk. Common reasons include: 

• Pregnancy that is two or more weeks past the due date 
• Water breaking without labor starting, which can raise the risk of infection 
• Gestational diabetes 
• High blood pressure disorders, including preeclampsia 
• Placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus 
• Other medical conditions such as infection or kidney disease 

Elective labor induction 

Induction for nonmedical reasons is called elective induction. Banner Health follows American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines to support safe care. Elective induction is generally considered only when: 

• You are at least 39 weeks pregnant 
• Your cervix is softening and beginning to dilate 

Most of the time, allowing labor to begin naturally is best for both mother and baby. 

Methods used to induce labor 

Your provider will choose the safest method based on your medical needs and how ready your cervix is. Common induction methods include: 

Cervical ripening 

Medication called prostaglandin is placed in the vagina or given by mouth to soften and thin the cervix. This is often done overnight. 

Breaking your water (amniotomy) 

Your provider uses a small plastic instrument to gently rupture the amniotic sac, which can help start contractions. 

Stripping the membranes 

Your provider sweeps a finger between the amniotic sac and the uterine wall to help release natural hormones that may start labor. 

Pitocin (oxytocin) 

Pitocin is a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. It is given through an IV to strengthen or start contractions. 

Possible risks and side effects of labor induction 

Most inductions are safe, but there are some risks to consider. Possible complications include: 

• Induction that does not work, which may lead to cesarean delivery 
• Longer labor and increased fatigue 
• Stronger or more frequent contractions 
• Greater chance of assisted delivery using forceps or vacuum 
• Infection for mother or baby 
• Postpartum hemorrhage 

If you have a successful vaginal delivery after induction, it usually does not affect future pregnancies. 

Learn more about natural ways to encourage labor 

If you’re wondering about methods people try at home to help labor start on its own, explore our guide on what may work and what doesn’t: Inducing Labor Naturally: What Works and What Doesn’t. 

Talk with your Banner Health provider 

Choosing whether to induce labor is a personal decision made with your health care team. Your Banner Health provider will discuss the benefits and risks, answer your questions and help you create a birth plan that supports your safety and preferences.