Induction of labour
This is beginning your labour artificially and is done in Wellington Hospital. Sometimes this is recommended by an obstetrician if there is concern about you or your baby’s health. An induction will also be discussed if you have not gone into labour by 42 weeks.
The methods are:
A misoprostol drink
Balloon Catheter inserted vaginally
Prostin Gel – a hormone gel inserted vaginally
Artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) - breaking your bag of waters
Oxytocin infusion administered through a IV luer in your arm once your membranes have been broken
An induction of labour requires continuous monitoring of your baby by CTG once labour is established until the birth of your baby. You would need to birth in Wellington hospital for an induction.
Augmentation of labour
This refers to the use of intervention so that your labour continues to progress when there is evidence it needs to happen more quickly than it is or when the labour has slowed or is not strong enough to dilate your cervix. The methods are artificial rupture of membranes, which is done by a vaginal examination and making a small break in the membranes around the baby.
An intravenous oxytocin infusion through an IV leur in your hand to help your uterus contract more efficiently.