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What is Induction of Labour?

In order for a baby to be born through the vagina, the cervix (the neck of your womb) changes from being closed, long and hard (a similar consistency to the tip of your nose), to being thin, soft and starting to open (dilate). Hormones called prostaglandins helps these changes happen. When this change happens, your body releases another hormone called oxytocin which leads to stronger contractions (the tightening and relaxing of the muscles in your womb) which gradually open your cervix further. In most pregnancies this starts naturally between 37-42 weeks of pregnancy and is referred to as ‘spontaneous labour’. Induction of labour is a process that tries to start labour artificially, either by mechanical methods, using medication, or sometimes both. On average, labour is induced in approximately 1 in 3 pregnancies (33%) and our local rates at Â鶹¹ú²ú are similar.

What is Outpatient Induction of Labour?

Depending how your pregnancy has progressed, you might be offered the choice of an outpatient induction of labour. That means you will be supported to spend part of the induction process at home. It reduces the amount of time you need to stay in the hospital before your labour starts. You can usually spend the night at home with your family and continue with most of your normal daily activities.

What is Dilapan-S and how does it work?

Dilapan-S® are thin small hydrogel dilators which are inserted into the cervix either through a speculum (an instrument to visualise the cervix as used in smear tests) to guide the midwife or doctor, or they may insert them with their fingers. Up to five rods may be inserted, and they absorb moisture from the cervix, expand and stretch the cervix, and may promote the release of your own prostaglandins which may naturally soften and thin your cervix. Each dilator is slightly larger than matchstick. Depending on how dilated your cervix is, the process may involve adding one or two dilators to start with and then inserting more once the cervix opens further. They can remain in for 24 hours, but are usually left in for 12-15 hours. They are then removed during a vaginal examination. The dilators contain no medicine or drugs, the focus is on expanding your cervix without medication. Sometimes more than one round of DILAPAN-S is required.

What else do I need to know about Dilapan-S?

• You may have some minor discomfort on insertion, but this is normal
• It is not suitable for women with a known genital tract infection
• Do not have a bath while inserted
• Do not have sexual intercourse while inserted
• It is suitable for most people including women who have previously had a caesarean birth
• You can go about your usual daily activities while inserted
• Under no circumstances should you try to remove DILAPAN-S yourself

What do I need to do on the day of my induction?

• Please call the Beatrice Maternity Ward on 01722 425184 at 13.00 to be given a time to come in.
• When you arrive, please report to Maternity Reception.
• On leaving, the midwife will advise you on what time to call or return to the Beatrice Maternity Ward to have your DILAPAN-S removed.

Please call Labour Ward on 01722 425183 for some advice if:

• you have any concerns
• you experience a change in baby’s movements
• you think your waters have broken
• you start having contractions
• you have any vaginal bleeding

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