RESOURCES: Induction of Labor

Rates of labor induction are on the rise in the United States. This trend is fueled by increases in the number of women having high-risk pregnancies and more frequent use of labor induction for non-medical or social reasons (sometimes referred to as elective induction). There is confusion and disagreement about the safety and appropriate use of labor induction. Read More...

March of Dimes
Some women may prefer to have an induction, even without medical need. Inducing labor may appeal to both the woman and the health care provider because it helps them plan their schedules. The March of Dimes recommends that labor be induced only when the health of the woman or baby is at risk. Read more...

Induction can be a complex topic for many first time mums to understand….but it is so important that you are able to understand each part of the procedure, the possible sequence of events and the overall big picture of what induction can mean for your labour experience. Read more...

Pitocin induction and augmentation are common in the US, but are they safe?
Pitocin is the synthetic form of oxytocin.  Oxytocin is a natural hormone - produced by your body - that stimulates uterine contractions.  Read more...

Bishop score, also Bishop's score, is a pre-labour scoring system to assist in predicting whether induction of labour will be required. It has also been used to assess the odds of spontaneous preterm delivery.  Read more...

Isolated term oligohydramnios, as defined by an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of less than 5 cm, has not been shown to be associated with poor maternal or fetal outcomes. Management may be individualized based on factors such as parity, cervical ripeness, and patient preference (SOR: B). Read more...

Pitocin, Package Insert, Full Prescibing Information Read more...

ACOG’s 2009 Induction Guidelines: Spin Doctoring Misoprostol (Cytotec) Read more...

A note about our "Resources" pages: We offer these resources as one step of your informed decision-making process.  Each mother and each circumstance are unique.  There is no one "right" way.  One article or study does not an informed decision make.  Read more.  Research more.  Talk openly with your carefully chosen care provider and those who will support you.  Then, make the decision that is right for you.