Understanding Induction of Labour: Methods, Risks, Benefits, and the Role of Hypnobirthing
Induction of labour is a common practice in maternity care in Ireland, with one Irish study (Nicholson et al, 2024) finding that the induction rate for first time mothers in one of the largest maternity hospitals in Europe was 57%, while the rate for women who had given birth before was 33%. Induction is often used when it’s safer for the baby to be born than for the pregnancy to continue. It is just one of many options in your pregnancy that requires thought and consideration to find the right choice for you. Whether you're preparing for a scheduled induction or simply gathering information, understanding your options — and knowing how hypnobirthing can help — is key to feeling empowered and prepared.
What is Induction of Labour?
Induction involves stimulating labour artificially, rather than waiting for it to start naturally. It may be recommended by your doctor if you are overdue, your waters have broken without contractions, or if there are concerns about the health of you or your baby, among other reasons.
Common methods include:
Prostaglandins: Hormonal gels, pessaries, or tablets inserted into the vagina to help soften and open the cervix.
Mechanical Methods: A balloon catheter inserted into the cervix to encourage it to open.
Artificial Rupture of Membranes (ARM): Releasing the waters manually to encourage labour.
Synthetic Oxytocin (Syntocinon) Drip: A drip to stimulate uterine contractions.
(For more, see the HSE guide on induction).
Risks and Benefits of Induction
Risks:
Increased likelihood of interventions: Induction may raise the chances of assisted delivery or caesarean birth, although research shows this depends heavily on the circumstances and hospital policies (NICE Guidelines).
Uterine hyperstimulation: Strong, frequent contractions can reduce oxygen supply to the baby.
Longer and more intense labour: Induced labours can be longer, and contractions may be stronger than in spontaneous labour (RCOG information). This can lead to a requirement for more pain relief such as epidural, which can also contribute to the cascade of intervention.
Emotional impact: Some people feel they have less control when labour is medically managed (Birthrights Ireland).
Benefits:
Improved outcomes for some maternal conditions: Such as or preeclampsia.
Planned timing: Offers certainty for some families around work, childcare, or travel.
How Hypnobirthing Can Support an Induction
Hypnobirthing isn’t just for spontaneous labour — it can be a wonderful support during induction too:
Staying Calm and Relaxed: Fear and tension can slow down labour. Hypnobirthing breathing techniques, visualisations, and affirmations help keep the nervous system calm, allowing labour to progress more efficiently.
Pain Relief: Self-hypnosis and relaxation strategies help reduce the perception of pain, even during stronger contractions.
Remaining Empowered: Hypnobirthing prepares you to understand your rights, ask questions, and make informed decisions, even when plans change.
Optimising Hormones: Calm, positive emotions support natural oxytocin production — crucial for effective labour and bonding after birth.
Adaptability: Hypnobirthing teaches flexibility, helping you adjust gracefully to whatever path your labour takes.
Many of my clients who prepare with hypnobirthing for an induction report feeling far more in control, no matter how their birth unfolds.
If you would like to book a hypnobirthing course with me (so you too can feel prepared, in control and empowered!) you can view my offerings HERE
FAQs About Induction
Can I refuse an induction?
Yes. Induction is always your choice. Healthcare providers can recommend induction if they believe it's safer, but you have the right to decline or ask for alternatives. Discuss the risks and benefits with your care team (AIMS Ireland information).
How can I prepare if I know I’m being induced?
Ask questions: Understand the method they intend to use, and what happens if induction doesn’t work.
Bring your hypnobirthing tools: Scripts, playlists, and breathing techniques can be used throughout.
Stay mobile: Movement, upright positions, and gravity can help labour progress even with monitors attached.
Create a calming environment: Dim lights, aromatherapy, music, and birth affirmations can make the hospital space feel more supportive.
Plan your coping mechanisms toolkit: TENS machine, winner flow, comb and other coping mechanisms can still be used with induction of labour.
Does induction always lead to more interventions?
Not necessarily. Modern research shows that a well-managed induction can have outcomes similar to spontaneous labour in certain cases. However, induction can sometimes cascade into further interventions, especially if the body or baby isn't ready (NICE Guidelines).
Hypnobirthing Affirmations for Induction
Affirmations can help shift your mindset during induction, promoting confidence, trust, and relaxation.
Here are some affirmations you can use:
"My body and baby are working together beautifully."
"I trust my body's natural wisdom, even with medical support."
"Each wave brings me closer to meeting my baby."
"I am calm, confident, and in control."
"I accept my journey and trust the process."
"I breathe in peace and breathe out tension."
"I am prepared, I am informed, and I am strong."
"My birth will happen at the perfect time and in the perfect way for me and my baby."
You can read these out loud, listen to them recorded, or have your birth partner whisper them to you throughout the induction process.
Final Thoughts
Induction can be a valuable, even life-saving option — but it’s also deeply personal. Understanding the process, feeling confident about your choices, and using hypnobirthing techniques can help you approach induction with calm, strength, and a positive mindset.
Further Reading:
