Methods of IOL

This medication is a liquid made from a small tablet dissolved in water and is taken every two hours, up to eight times in one day. It works gently to soften and prepare the cervix, but it can take many hours, or sometimes a couple of days, for labour to begin. Before each dose, a CTG is recommended to check on pēpi and how they are responding. Some people feel mild period‑like cramps or tightening as the medication starts to work, while others may not feel much at all at first. Once labour becomes established, the hope is that your body continues to progress naturally, with ongoing support and monitoring to keep you and your baby safe.

A balloon catheter is a small tube that is gently placed through the cervix and positioned so it sits between the cervix and the baby’s head. Once in place, the balloon is filled with sterile water so it presses on the cervix, encouraging the release of natural hormones that help the cervix soften and open. It can stay in for up to 24 hours, or it may fall out on its own once the cervix has opened enough. Some people feel pressure or period‑like cramps while it’s in place, while others feel very little. If this method doesn’t bring on labour or open the cervix enough, your midwife or doctor will talk with you about the next steps in your induction plan.

A small instrument, shaped a bit like a long thin hook, is gently passed into the vagina so the membranes (the “bag of waters”) can be broken. Releasing the waters can help bring baby’s head down onto the cervix and may speed up the start or progress of labour. Some people notice an increase in pressure or stronger tightenings soon after the waters break, while others may take longer to establish a regular pattern. If contractions don’t become steady within an expected timeframe, your midwife or doctor may talk with you about starting a syntocinon (synthetic oxytocin) drip to help labour progress in a safe, supported way.