17/02/2026
Induction - it’s happening- but does it always need to?
We see more comments, queries and concerns about induction of labour than about any other single pregnancy and birth-related topic.
It's too hard to put everything that women and their families need to know in one post (which is why I have written two books about this!)
But here are some of the key facts.
Induction of labour is absolutely the right decision for some women, and absolutely not the right decision for others.
Some women are delighted that they had their labour induced, and some women regret this decision for decades.
Induction is often suggested for a risk factor rather than for any medical reason. This risk may not be greater than the risks of induction itself for you - only you can decide that.
It is for those reasons that we encourage anybody who might be affected by this to get lots of information about induction of labour or any other birth intervention before making a decision.
The mass media is not a good source of information about birth. Newspapers spin stories to make headlines and often fail to discuss the nuances and complexities of the issues.
Like many of my colleagues, my primary concern is that people who need to make such decisions can get good information from a credible source and make the decision that is right for them.
That’s why I’ve written two books about this. They have both helped tens of thousands of women and families make the decisions that are right for them.
I also have more than twenty articles and blog posts to help you understand the issues.
Loads more info at https;//www.sarawickham.com/iol
