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25-03-2021
Column: The Mtn Midwife - WHAT IS INDUCTION OF LABOUR
Column: The Mtn Midwife - WHAT IS INDUCTION OF LABOUR
The majority of women will go into spontaneous labour before 42 weeks. However, we know that beyond 42 weeks there is an increased risk that the placenta no longer works as well and there is a higher risk of stillbirth. If you have not gone into labour spontaneously by 41 weeks and three days, the recommendation is for an induction. You may be offered an induction sooner if you have a pre-existing medical condition (e.g., diabetes) or if you develop complications (e.g., very small baby, or pre-eclampsia). If you are unsure why it is being offered, speak to your care provider about their rationale for recommending an induction and alternatives.
Depending on how many babies you have had before, your genetics, and position of the baby, the induction process can be lengthy. The aim of induction is to get to the stage where we can break the bag of water surrounding the baby and start an oxytocin drip. This drip causes regular contractions that dilate your cervix. Before the induction, however, your cervix may not

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