How overdue can you go before being induced

You may have heard that certain things can trigger labour, such as herbal supplements and having sex, but there's no evidence that these work.

Other methods that are not supported by scientific evidence include acupuncture , homeopathy , hot baths, castor oil and enemas. Having sex will not cause harm, but you should avoid having sex if your waters have broken as there's an increased risk of infection. For more information on induction, you can read the NICE information for the public on induction of labour.

You can find pregnancy and baby apps and tools in the NHS apps library. Page last reviewed: 12 November Next review due: 12 November Inducing labour. It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not.

Why you might be induced if you're overdue if your waters have broken if you or your baby have a health problem If you're overdue Induction will be offered if you do not go into labour naturally by 42 weeks, as there will be a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby.

If your waters break early If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby. If you have a health condition or your baby is not thriving You may be offered an induction if you have a condition that means it'll be safer to have your baby sooner, such as diabetes , high blood pressure or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Membrane sweep Before inducing labour, you'll be offered a membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep, to bring on labour. How labour is induced If you're being induced, you'll go into the hospital maternity unit. You should contact your midwife or obstetrician if: your contractions begin you have not had any contractions after 6 hours If you've had no contractions after 6 hours, you may be offered another tablet or gel.

What induced labour feels like Induced labour is usually more painful than labour that starts on its own, and you may want to ask for an epidural. If induction of labour does not work Induction is not always successful, and labour may not start. Your midwife and doctor will discuss all your options with you. Natural ways to start labour There are no proven ways of starting your labour yourself at home. Video: When would I be induced and what's involved?

In this video, a midwife describes what an induction of labour is and what is involved. Thankfully, there are things you can do to ease the…. Information for pregnant women about the reasons for and what to expect during labor induction from the American Academy…. Visit The Symptom Checker.

Read More. Recovering from Delivery Postpartum Recovery. Dealing with Pain During Childbirth. Back Pain During Pregnancy. Labor Induction. When is a pregnancy considered overdue?

How is my due date determined? Path to Improved Health What if my pregnancy goes past the due date? How will my doctor induce labor? There are several ways your doctor may induce labor, including the following: Use medicine or a special device to help your cervix get soft and open up.

This is not painful, but you may feel fluid leak out when the amniotic sac is broken. Use a gloved finger to separate the amniotic sac from the wall of your uterus. This method releases hormones that may make labor start for some women. Give you a medicine called oxytocin brand name: Pitocin. It will start your contractions and help them get strong and regular. Oxytocin is given intravenously through an IV needle into your vein. Plan something for each day so you are not just sitting at home waiting for something to happen.

Always take your mobile phone with you. Prepare meals for freezing. Once the baby comes, you will be glad for those times when you can just grab something from the freezer and reheat it rather than having to shop and cook. Let friends and family know that you will make contact when something happens. They are excited too, but daily calls can get frustrating when you are already frustrated yourself. Get some extra rest. Nap during the day if you are finding it difficult to sleep at night.

Even sitting comfortably will help build your stores of energy for labour. Give your doctor or midwife a call if you are worried. The dangers of going past your due date Most doctors and midwives are happy for you to go a few days over your due date as long as everything seems to be okay. Options for when you are overdue When you go for your week appointment, your midwife or doctor may: double-check your due date by confirming when you had your last period re-check your dating scan, if you had one carry out a blood pressure check and test your urine for protein feel your stomach to check the position and size of your baby examine your vagina to see if your cervix feels ready for labour.

Medical procedures for inducing labour If you and your midwife or doctor have decided to induce your labour, the process will begin with the doctor or midwife examining your cervix to see if it is ready for labour. This procedure can be uncomfortable and can sometimes cause a small amount of bleeding. Your cervix will need to be open a couple of centimetres before the waters can be broken. This can be uncomfortable, especially if your cervix is not open very far.

Breaking the waters may be enough to start labour on its own, but sometimes medication such as oxytocin is also required.

This may be enough to bring on labour, or you may also need your waters broken, or oxytocin to bring on contractions. This is given through a drip in your arm, and is often used in combination with the other methods listed. Oxytocin can only be administered when the waters have broken, and is used to start contractions or increase contractions. This remains in place for 15 hours, or until it falls out. Over this time it should cause your cervix to soften and open. This may be enough to bring on labour, or you may also need your waters broken, or oxytocin to bring on contractions Where to get help Your GP doctor Midwife Obstetrician.

Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful?