Before You Start

This guide is not designed to tell you what decision to make. It is designed to help you understand why induction is being discussed, whether it may reduce a specific concern, and what matters most to you.

You are the decision maker.
You have the right to ask questions, receive clear information, accept or decline care, and change your mind.

Seek urgent maternity advice now if you have:

Reduced or changed fetal movements
Vaginal bleeding
Severe headache or visual changes
Severe abdominal pain
Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
You feel something is not right

1. My Situation

How many weeks pregnant are you? Why is induction being discussed? What has my midwife, doctor or obstetrician recommended?

2. Is My Situation Complicated?

Some induction decisions are straightforward. Others involve a medical concern for you, your baby, or both. Understanding this helps you ask clearer questions.

Has a complication or concern been identified? What is the concern? Who does this concern affect? How certain is the concern? What information, tests or monitoring could help me understand this concern better?

3. Will Induction Reduce the Concern?

A key question is not only “Why is induction being recommended?” but also: Will induction reduce the specific risk or complication being discussed?

What risk is induction aiming to reduce? Has my care provider explained how induction may reduce this risk? How much might induction reduce this risk? What could happen if we wait instead?

4. What is Induction of Labour?

Induction of labour means starting labour artificially rather than waiting for labour to begin on its own.

Depending on your situation, induction may involve one or more of the following:

Membrane sweep
Balloon catheter
Prostaglandin gel, pessary or tape
Breaking the waters
Oxytocin drip
Monitoring of you and your baby

The method offered may depend on your cervix, your baby’s wellbeing, your pregnancy history, your preferences, local hospital policy, and the reason induction is being discussed.

5. My Options

Option A: Wait for labour to start on its own

Waiting may still be an active plan. It may include monitoring such as blood pressure checks, CTG, ultrasound, blood tests or review appointments.

Option B: Have an induction of labour

Induction means your care team uses one or more methods to start labour. You can still ask about movement, support people, birth environment, pain relief options, monitoring, and your birth preferences.

Option C: Ask for more information or another opinion

You can ask whether the recommendation is urgent, what the alternatives are, and whether there is time to think, discuss, or reassess.

6. Benefits and Risks for Me and My Baby

Possible benefits for me

How might induction benefit my physical or emotional wellbeing?

Possible benefits for my baby

How might induction benefit my baby’s wellbeing?

Possible risks or downsides for me

What are the possible risks, side effects or impacts on my birth experience?

Possible risks or downsides for my baby

What are the possible risks or impacts for my baby?

Risks and benefits of waiting

What are the possible benefits and risks of waiting with monitoring?

7. BIRTH + BRAIN Reflection

B – Benefits

What benefits feel most relevant to my situation?

I – Information

What information do I still need to feel informed?

R – Risks

Which risks concern me most?

T – Timing

Is this urgent, or can I wait and reassess?

H – How does this align with me?

What matters most to me in this decision?

A – Alternatives

What alternatives have been discussed?

I – Intuition

What is my instinct telling me, and what do I need to feel safe and supported?

N – Nothing for now

What might happen if I choose not to decide today and reassess later?

8. What If I Choose to Wait?

Waiting does not have to mean doing nothing. If it is clinically appropriate, you may be able to make a plan for monitoring and reassessment.

What monitoring would be offered if I wait? When would we reassess? What signs or results would mean the plan should change? Who should I contact if I have concerns?

9. What Matters Most to Me?

Avoiding unnecessary intervention

Less importantVery important

Reducing uncertainty

Less importantVery important

Waiting for spontaneous labour

Less importantVery important

Following medical recommendation

Less importantVery important

Feeling calm and emotionally prepared

Less importantVery important

Understanding the actual risk numbers

Less importantVery important

10. Questions to Ask My Care Provider

Is my situation straightforward or complicated?
What is the exact concern?
Is this concern affecting me, my baby, or both?
How certain are we that there is a problem?
Will induction reduce the risk or complication?
How much will induction reduce that risk?
What are the benefits for me?
What are the benefits for my baby?
What are the risks or downsides for me?
What are the risks or downsides for my baby?
What happens if I wait?
What monitoring is available if I wait?
Is this urgent, or can I have time to think?

My own questions:

11. Decision Readiness

How ready do I feel to make this decision today?

Not readyVery ready

My current preference:

I would like to proceed with induction.

I would like to wait and reassess.

I would like more information before deciding.

I am unsure and would like to talk through my options.

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Continue Learning

You may also find BirthNest resources helpful for learning more about birth physiology, induction, informed decision-making, birth preferences, and preparing for discussions with your maternity care provider.

Educational Disclaimer

This tool is for general education and reflection only. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from your midwife, doctor, obstetrician, hospital or maternity service. Recommendations may differ depending on your pregnancy, your baby, your medical history, local hospital policy and your clinical situation.