Labor induction

Labor induction is the procedure where a medical professional starts the process of labor (giving birth) instead of letting it start on its own. Labor may be induced (started) if the health of the mother or the baby is at risk. Induction of labor can be accomplished with pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical methods.^[1]

In Western countries, it is estimated that one-quarter of pregnant women have their labor medically induced with drug treatment.^[2] Inductions are most often performed either with prostaglandin drug treatment alone, or with a combination of prostaglandin and intravenous oxytocin treatment.^[2]