Induction pessary how long

The date you are given for induction may not be the day you have your baby. Please be aware that it may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances to change your given date at short notice.

Membrane sweeping can be performed by your community midwife as part of your normal antenatal check; in a consultant clinic or on the ward. Research has shown that a membrane sweep can be a more natural way of starting labour than using medication; and this will be offered to all women whose pregnancies are overdue before other methods of induction are arranged. A membrane sweep is usually done by your midwife at around 41 weeks.

While internally examining the vagina she will simply sweep a finger around the neck of your womb cervix. The aim is to separate the membranes around your baby from your cervix; this releases hormones called Prostaglandins. If the membrane sweep is successful, labour may start within the next few days. It has a higher chance of working if the neck of your womb is already softening and preparing for labour. In uncomplicated pregnancies it will not cause any harm to either you or your baby.

It can be uncomfortable as the neck of the womb is often difficult to reach before labour begins. This is normal. This is done by the midwife performing a vaginal examination. The pessary, which is inserted into the vagina, looks like a very small tampon. It contains Prostaglandins which are released slowly over 24 hours to ripen your cervix. The midwife will perform regular checks on you and your baby during this time. It is normal for you to feel that not much is happening, however there will be changes happening to your cervix that you cannot see or feel.

Please tell the midwife if you experience regular pain, if your waters break, if you experience bleeding or if you are worried. If labour does not start the pessary will be removed after 24 hours. If there is no or little change in your cervix after this 24hours then Prostin Gel may be used. This is inserted via applicator by the midwife at a vaginal examination. Once given, it will be at least six hours before the midwife will examine you again, unless you go into labour.

A further dose can be administered after six hours if necessary. The midwife will perform regular checks upon you and your baby throughout the induction process. Breaking of your waters rupturing of membranes: also called artificial rupture of membranes, or ARM. This is only performed on delivery suite. Once the cervix is open enough it will be possible to break your waters.

This is done by another vaginal examination using a special instrument; it can be an uncomfortable procedure. You will be allowed an agreed length of time to move around to encourage your contractions to start once your membranes have been broken. If your contractions do not start you will need to have a hormone drip to make you have contractions called syntocinon. Sometimes there may be a delay in transferring you to the delivery suite if a high number of women have attended already in labour as we are committed to providing one to one care during your labour.

This will be started to stimulate contractions. It is given under strict supervision by your midwife, who will monitor both you and your baby closely. The drip will be increased gradually until you are having contractions every couple of minutes. Sometimes labour can be induced if your baby is overdue or there's any risk to you or your baby's health.

This risk could be if you have a health condition such as high blood pressure, for example, or your baby is not growing. Induction will usually be planned in advance. You'll be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor and midwife, and find out why they think your labour should be induced.

If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks and you decide not to have your labour induced, you should be offered increased monitoring to check your baby's wellbeing. Induction will be offered if you do not go into labour naturally by 42 weeks, as there will be a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby. If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby.

If your waters break after 34 weeks, you'll have the choice of induction or expectant management. Expectant management is when your healthcare professionals monitor your condition and your baby's wellbeing, and your pregnancy can progress naturally as long as it's safe for both of you.

Your midwife or doctor should discuss your options with you before you make a decision. They should also let you know about the newborn neonatal special care hospital facilities in your area. If your baby is born earlier than 37 weeks, they may be vulnerable to problems related to being premature. If your waters break before 34 weeks, you'll only be offered induction if there are other factors that suggest it's the best thing for you and your baby. You may be offered an induction if you have a condition that means it'll be safer to have your baby sooner, such as diabetes , high blood pressure or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

If this is the case, your doctor and midwife will explain your options to you so you can decide whether or not to have your labour induced. Before inducing labour, you'll be offered a membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep, to bring on labour. To carry out a membrane sweep, your midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around your cervix during an internal examination.

This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix. This separation releases hormones prostaglandins , which may start your labour. Having a membrane sweep does not hurt, but expect some discomfort or slight bleeding afterwards.

Having your labour induced Induction of labour is when labour is started by a health professional. These act like natural hormones and are put into your vagina either as a gel, tablet or pessary.

Triggering labour with a balloon catheter A cervical balloon catheter is a drug free method of softening and opening your cervix.

Breaking your waters Having your waters broken is another way to get labour started. Hormone helps contractions You may also need to have a drip put into your arm, so you can have the hormone oxytocin. Source: Public Health Scotland - Opens in new browser window. How can we improve this page?

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