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Inducing labor - How it works, what you should expect and its importance for a safe natural delivery

Pregnancy

Written by - Mylo EditorLast updated: May 4, 2026

Inducing labor - How it works, what you should expect and its importance for a safe natural delivery

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3 min

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Ritu S Santwani, M.D (Obst & Gynaec), FICOG, FIAOG, AMRCOG, ART-Singapore

Infertility treatment, Cosmetology, Recurrent abortion treatment, Menopause, Hysteroscopy & colposcopy, PCOS/PCOD, Sexual health · 20 years experience

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Summary

Labor induction is a medical procedure used when the body does not naturally release oxytocin to trigger contractions, helping ensure a safe delivery for mother and baby.
Common reasons for inducing labor include baby growth issues, being two weeks past due date, low amniotic fluid, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or water breaking without contractions starting.
Doctors induce labor using IV medication, a balloon device, membrane stripping, or manually breaking the water, while continuously monitoring the mother and the baby's heartbeat for safety.
Are you curious whether induction is right for you? Always follow your doctor's advice, understand the risks and side effects, and never insist on induction without proper medical guidance.

As your delivery date nears and you prepare for the birth of your baby, it is important to clearly understand different procedures related to labor. One such important procedure is inducing labor as it is highly prevalent these days. Let us help you understand all about it and why it is important.

Why is labor induction important?

In a normal pregnancy, the body naturally releases a hormone called oxytocin to trigger labor. This is followed by contractions and subsequent stages of labor and finally delivery. While it is the body’s natural way of starting the labor process, many women have to be induced due to a variety of reasons listed below:

Growth issues in the baby

If the mother is more than 2 weeks past the due date
Insufficient amniotic fluid around the baby
Medical conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, uterine infections etc.
Placenta getting separated from the uterus
Preeclampsia

Contractions have not started even after the water breaks

All the above reasons could have a potentially harmful impact on you and the baby, and it becomes important to induce labor to avoid any complications. Also, if the baby has growth issues or is exhibiting signs of distress, induction is preferred so that the baby can be delivered quickly and safely.

How does it work?

Your doctor will determine the best way to induce labor depending on your and the baby’s condition. Most women are given medication through an IV for inducing labor but in many cases a medical device called balloon is also used. Membrane stripping and breaking the water manually are two other common methods. The doctor will examine your cervix to determine how much open the cervix is and then proceed with the best suited way of inducing you. Generally, labor is triggered few hours after induction but may take longer in some cases. The doctor will monitor you after induction to see how the labor is going on and the baby’s heartbeats will also be monitored continuously.

Labor induction can cause side effects and you must not insist for it or take it lightly. Follow your doctor’s advice on whether inducing is appropriate for you and understand the risks and side effects beforehand from the doctor.