NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

30 Step 3 Oxytocin drip For those women whose contractions do not start after the waters are broken, a hormone called oxytocin will be recommended. Oxytocin is diluted and given in small amounts directly into a vein through a cannula inserted into your hand or arm. The oxytocin drip causes your womb to have contractions. The drip is usually given continuously until your baby is born. A midwife will be caring for you and monitoring you and your baby closely for the duration of labour. Frequently asked questions How long can induction take? Induction can take anything from a few hours to a few days. Bring plenty of things to distract you, as there can be a lot of waiting whilst the medications start to work. What if the induction does not work? If the induction is unsuccessful your midwife and doctor will discuss your options with you. These options may include waiting, trying something else or a caesarean birth. Is induction painful? Vaginal examinations may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. It is felt that induced labour (particularly with an oxytocin drip) can be more uncomfortable than natural labour. You can discuss your options for pain relief with your midwife at every stage of the induction process. Do I have to have an induction? Your midwife/doctor will explain why induction has been recommended for you/your baby, including the risks and benefits of having it at the time advised, versus waiting. If you choose not to have the induction, or to postpone it, you may be offered additional monitoring to observe you and your baby’s wellbeing.