Sanjeevani was due one week ago. Her obstetrician has determined that the baby is doing well and the water around the baby is adequate. She has advised Sanjeevani to get admitted for induction of labour.

Sania, on the other hand is 37 weeks pregnant. She has high blood pressure, which developed in pregnancy. It is best to induce labour and deliver the baby before the high blood pressure can affect the mother or foetus.

What is induction of labour?

Induction of labour is the use of artificial means, such as a medication, to start the process of childbirth. Contrary to popular belief, induced labour is not more painful than natural labour.  

Reasons for inducing labour:

• Postdated pregnancy i.e. pregnancy that has continued 7 to 10 days past the due date
• Rupture of the membranes before labour has started
• Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) i.e. the mother has high blood pressure caused by the pregnancy
• Diabetes in pregnancy (specially if the mother is taking insulin to control the sugar levels)
• If the baby is small due to poor growth
• Separation of the placenta (abruption) from the inner lining of the uterus
• Logistical reasons (for example, the pregnant woman lives too far from a hospital or there is a history of fast labour)
• Death of the baby before birth (intrauterine foetal demise).