Induction of labour and augmentation

Risks of induction

• Your chance of needing extra pain relief is higher, because the contractions are often more painful.
• Your chance of having a caesarean birth is higher, if your labour is induced for a reason other than pregnancy lasting longer than 41 weeks, or it’s your first baby.
• Sometimes an induction doesn’t work in getting your body to go into labour (failed induction).
• As your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored with special equipment during your labour, it can be harder for you to move around and use the bath or shower for pain relief.
• Overstimulation of the uterus: this may require medications to reverse the effects of the over-stimulation or an emergency caesarean birth.
• Cord prolapse: this is extremely rare. When the waters are broken there is a very small risk of the umbilical cord slipping below the baby’s head with the fluid. This requires an immediate caesarean birth.

More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Induction of labour

In this guide:

1. Why are inductions needed?
2. Frequently asked questions – inductions
3. Questions to ask about induction of labour
4. Methods of induction
5. Risks of induction
6. Augmentation of labour

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