Louise 
What Happens If Your Baby Is Too Comfy?
What Happens If Your Baby Is Too Comfy?
For most people, labour starts naturally. However, around 1 in 5 births in the UK are induced (NHS, 2022), meaning labour is started artificially for medical or personal reasons.
In this guide, we’ll break down why induction might be recommended, what happens during the process, and how to prepare yourself physically and emotionally.
Why You May Be Advised to Have an Induction of Labour
Induction is usually offered for medical reasons, but you always have a choice in deciding whether to proceed.
Common Reasons for Induction
- Post-dates pregnancy – If your baby hasn’t arrived by 42 weeks, there’s a slightly increased risk of stillbirth(NICE guidelines). Induction is recommended to lower this risk.
- Waters breaking without contractions – If your waters break but labour doesn’t start within 24-48 hours, induction reduces the risk of infection.
- Reduced fetal movements – If your baby’s movements decrease, it could indicate potential distress, making induction the safer option.
- Maternal age – Studies suggest that people over 40 have a higher chance of complications, leading some to opt for induction earlier.
- Obstetric cholestasis – A liver condition in pregnancy that increases the risk of stillbirth, often leading to early induction.
- Medical complications – Conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or pre-eclampsia may make induction necessary for mum and baby’s safety.
If induction is offered, your doctor or midwife will explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
What Happens When You Are Induced?
Induction methods vary depending on your cervical readiness (how soft and open your cervix is). It’s usually a step-by-step process, and the timeline can range from a few hours to several days.
Step 1: Membrane Sweep
Before an official induction, you may be offered a membrane sweep. This involves a midwife or doctor inserting a finger into the cervix and sweeping around the amniotic sac to release prostaglandins (hormones that trigger labour).
Membrane sweeps are about 50% effective (Cochrane Review, 2020) and may help avoid a full medical induction.
Step 2: Hormone-Based Induction (Prostaglandins)
If a sweep is unsuccessful, the next step is prostaglandin induction.
- You’ll have a CTG (Cardiotocograph) monitor placed on your belly to check the baby’s heart rate before induction begins.
- A pessary or gel containing synthetic prostaglandins is inserted into the cervix to soften and open it.
- You may be monitored for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then:
- If everything is fine, you may go home to wait for labour to start.
- If closer monitoring is needed, you’ll stay in the hospital for regular CTG checks every 6 hours.
- The goal is to dilate the cervix enough so your waters can be broken (amniotomy).
💡 Did you know? Around 70% of women will go into labour within 24 hours of prostaglandin induction (NHS, 2023).
Step 3: Balloon Catheter (Medication-Free Induction Option)
Some hospitals offer a Cook Balloon instead of prostaglandins, reducing the risk of side effects like hyperstimulation(excessively strong contractions).
How it works:
- A small catheter with two balloons is inserted into the cervix.
- One balloon sits inside the uterus, the other in the vagina.
- Both are filled with sterile saline, gently applying pressure to encourage dilation.
- After 12 hours, the balloons are removed, and the cervix is checked.
This method avoids hormone-based medications and may be an option if you prefer a more natural approach.
Step 4: Breaking the Waters (Amniotomy)
Once the cervix is dilated enough (usually 2-3 cm), a midwife or doctor may artificially rupture the membranesusing a small tool called an Amnihook.
- This doesn’t hurt—it feels like a vaginal examination.
- Once the waters break, contractions may start naturally or need further encouragement.
💡 Why break the waters? This helps bring the baby’s head down and reduces the risk of cord prolapse (when the umbilical cord slips out before the baby).
Step 5: Oxytocin Drip (If Needed)
If contractions don’t start naturally after breaking the waters, you may be given a synthetic oxytocin drip (also called Syntocinon or Pitocin).
- This stimulates contractions, helping the labour progress.
- It is given via an IV drip and can be adjusted based on contraction strength.
- Because contractions can be intense and frequent, epidurals are more commonly requested in induced labours.
💡 Studies show that 45% of women who have an oxytocin drip opt for an epidural, compared to 25% of women in spontaneous labour (BMJ, 2021).
What Is Induction of Labour Like?
Induced labour can feel different from spontaneous labour, mainly because contractions often become stronger more quickly.
Many people describe it as:
✔️ A longer process – It can take hours or days before active labour begins.
✔️ More intense contractions – Especially with oxytocin induction.
✔️ Higher chance of interventions – Induced labour is associated with an increased likelihood of epidurals and assisted deliveries (forceps/ventouse).
✔️ Still a positive experience! – Many women have smooth, empowering induced births with the right preparation and support.
What If Induction Doesn’t Work?
In some cases, induction fails to progress. If this happens, your options include:
- A second round of induction after 24 hours of rest.
- A C-section if it’s determined that vaginal birth isn’t safe or feasible.
💡 Remember: You have choices. If you’re uncertain about induction, speak to your midwife about the risks, benefits, and alternative approaches.
How to Prepare for Induction of Labour
Since induction can be a long waiting game, it helps to plan ahead:
🎬 Pack entertainment – Movies, Netflix, audiobooks, and multiplayer games like Monopoly or Cluedo can help pass the time.
🍫 Bring snacks – Hospital food isn’t always great, and you’ll need energy for labour.
🧘♀️ Practice relaxation techniques – Hypnobirthing, deep breathing, and meditation can help manage stress.
💆♂️ Get a massage – Ask your birth partner to massage your back or feet for comfort.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Your Birth Choices
Induction is a common and safe option, but it’s important to make the right choice for you. Every pregnancy is different, and while some women feel relieved to have a plan, others prefer to wait for natural labour.
💬 Talk to your midwife or doctor about your concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask for more information.
👉 Want more birth prep tips? Check out our other guides or chat with a midwife for personalised advice!
