Click to view Emergency Department (A&E) waiting times
50 People
Number of people in A&E department
0:49 Hours
Average wait to be seen by a clinician
1:40 Hours
Average time in the department

Giving birth

Patient information leaflets

Induction of labour

Maternity

In most pregnancies labour starts naturally between 37 and 42 weeks, but sometimes there maybe a need to induce your labour and start the process artificially.

If you are recommended to have an induction it is usually when your doctor or midwife feels it is likely to benefit you and your baby's health.

You may be be recommended an induction for:

  • If you have a medical condition, such as gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure)
  • If you go overdue - you might be offered an induction from 41 weeks 
  • If you are 40 years of older when you became pregnant

There are also special circumstances where you might be offered an induction but your midwife or obstetrician will discuss this with you.