Australian Induction Decision Guide
A guided tool to help you understand your options, consider the benefits and risks, and prepare for a conversation with your maternity care provider.
Before You Start
Being offered an induction of labour can bring up a lot of questions. There may be medical information to consider, but there are also your individual circumstances, values and preferences.
This guide does not tell you whether you should have an induction. Instead, it helps you explore the information you have been given, identify what you still need to know, and consider what matters most to you.
You remain the decision maker about your care. Your maternity care provider can help you understand how the options apply to your individual situation.
Contact your maternity care provider or maternity unit promptly if you experience reduced or changed fetal movements, vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent headache, changes to your vision, severe abdominal pain, sudden swelling of your face or hands, or if you feel that something is not right.
1. My Situation
Start by identifying what you know about your current situation and why induction has been discussed.
2. Is My Situation Straightforward or Complicated?
Understanding the reason behind the recommendation can help you understand the decision you are being asked to make.
3. Will Induction Reduce the Concern?
An important part of the decision is understanding whether inducing labour is expected to change the specific concern that has led to the recommendation.
4. What Is Induction of Labour?
Induction of labour means using medicines, procedures or a combination of methods to start labour rather than waiting for labour to begin on its own.
The method used can depend on your cervix, your baby's wellbeing, your pregnancy history, the reason induction is being recommended, your preferences and local maternity policies.
Methods may include:
- Membrane sweep
- Balloon catheter
- Prostaglandin gel, pessary or controlled-release preparation
- Breaking the waters (artificial rupture of membranes)
- Oxytocin through an intravenous drip
- Fetal and contraction monitoring
5. What Are My Options?
There may be more than one reasonable option depending on your individual circumstances.
Option A — Wait for labour with monitoring
Continue the pregnancy without induction at this point, with a plan for monitoring and reassessment where appropriate.
Option B — Induction of labour
Proceed with an agreed induction plan, including discussion of the methods, timing, monitoring and what may happen if induction does not result in labour.
Option C — More information before deciding
Ask further questions, seek clarification or discuss whether another opinion or further assessment would be appropriate.
6. Benefits and Risks for Me and My Baby
Consider both the potential benefits and potential downsides of induction, as well as the possible benefits and risks of continuing the pregnancy.
7. BIRTHAID: A Framework for Thinking Through Your Decision
You do not need to make a decision based on one piece of information. The BIRTHAID framework can help you work through the different parts of the decision and identify what matters most to you.
B — Benefits
What potential benefits could induction have for me and my baby? What concern or complication is the induction intended to address?
I — Information
What do I understand about my situation and my options? What information am I still missing?
R — Risks
What are the potential risks or downsides of induction for me and my baby? What are the potential risks of the situation itself?
T — Timing
Why is induction being discussed now? Is there an urgent reason to decide, or do I have time to consider my options?
H — How does this fit my situation?
Is my situation straightforward or complicated? How certain is the concern? Who is it affecting — me, my baby, or both?
A — Alternatives
What other options are available? Could I wait with monitoring or have further assessment? What would happen if I chose another option?
I — Impact & Intuition
How might each option affect me, my baby, my birth experience and my emotional wellbeing? What does my intuition tell me?
D — Do nothing for now
What happens if I do not choose induction at this point? What monitoring or reassessment would be offered? What changes would mean revisiting the decision?
8. What If I Choose to Wait?
Waiting does not necessarily mean doing nothing. Ask your care provider what a plan for continued pregnancy would look like in your situation.
9. What Matters Most to Me?
Different people can look at the same information and make different decisions because their circumstances, priorities and values are different.
10. Questions to Ask My Care Provider
You may find it helpful to take these questions with you to your next appointment.
- Is my situation straightforward or complicated?
- What exactly is the concern?
- Is the concern affecting me, my baby, or both?
- How certain is the concern?
- Will induction reduce the specific risk or complication?
- How much might induction reduce that risk?
- What are the potential benefits of induction for me and my baby?
- What are the potential risks or downsides for me and my baby?
- What could happen if I wait?
- What monitoring would be offered if I wait?
- Is there an urgent reason I need to decide now, or do I have time to think?
11. How Ready Do I Feel to Make a Decision?
You do not have to feel completely certain before making a decision. This question is simply a way to identify whether you feel you have enough information and support to move forward.
Your Decision Summary
You can print or save this summary as a PDF to take to your appointment.
Continue Learning
Understanding your options is an important part of informed decision-making. You may also wish to explore other pregnancy, birth and postpartum education resources from The BirthNest.
Educational Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general education and reflection. It is not medical advice and does not replace individual assessment or discussion with your maternity care provider.
Recommendations about induction of labour can vary depending on your individual circumstances, pregnancy history, clinical findings and the policies of your maternity service.
If you have concerns about your health or your baby's wellbeing, contact your maternity care provider or maternity unit.