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Induction of Labour

Labour that is started artificially, often using synthetic hormones. Initially this is commonly in the form of a gel, tablet, or pessary containing a synthetic version of prostaglandins inserted behind the cervix. Other methods of induction include rupturing the membranes (breaking your waters), and a hormone drip of artificial oxytocin, known as syntocinon. In the UK approximately 20% of labours are induced (NHS, 2020) for a multitude of reasons including, but not limited to, pregnancy past 42 weeks, if your waters break and you do not go into labour spontaneously within 24 hours, or health concerns for you, your baby, or both of you.

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