All Educational Resources

Planned induction of labor

Patient Education
Published June 11, 2020
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider
on Nov. 8, 2023

Check in at the Labor and Delivery Unit on *** at *** a.m./p.m.

  • You must be on time, so your induction can start as scheduled.
    • Ramp 4 is the closest parking ramp.
    • Go to Labor and Delivery (Elevator I, Level 6). 
  • Call Labor and Delivery before leaving your house.

We cannot predict the number of people having babies during your scheduled induction. This number can change quickly. So, sometimes we may need to delay or reschedule your planned induction. This is for the safety of you, the other people, and your baby. We know this can be frustrating, but we ask for your patience. We only delay inductions when absolutely needed. We will make every effort to get you in as soon as possible.

How long will it take?

It can take longer than a day. This often depends on how ready (ripened) your cervix is for labor. Making the cervix ready for labor is part of the induction. It is often not painful.

In some cases, the body is not ready for labor. It may be risky to keep trying to induce labor. It may be best to take a break for a few days. Deciding to stop and reschedule the induction depends on the reason it was needed and on the health of baby and mom.

Before your induction:

  • Do not shave or wax your abdomen, pubic area, or upper thighs for at least 1 week before your induction.
  • Take off all jewelry.
  • Eat and drink before coming to the hospital unless you are told not to. Eat something light, such as fruit, yogurt, or cereal.
    • You will be given other instructions for how to take your medicines and eat if you have diabetes or gestational diabetes.
  • It is okay to take a shower or bath before you come to the hospital.  Especially since your induction may take more than 1 day.

How will I be induced?

Different medicines and devices can be used:

  • Those that go in the vagina: 
    • Misoprostol 
    • Dinoprostone (Cervidil®, Prepidil®)
  • Those given by vein: 
    • Pitocin® 
  • A balloon placed in the cervix and vagina to help open the cervix 
  • Rupture membranes to let amniotic fluid out

Your care team will talk with you to decide which is best for you and your baby based on your:

  • Cervix and how ready it is for labor
  • Condition
  • Needs
  • Preferences

Call:

  • Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *** 
  • For urgent questions or concerns on nights, weekends, and holidays call:
  • Call Labor and Delivery at 319-356-2615 right away if you are 20 to 37 weeks pregnant and contractions start. You may be in preterm labor if you have 4 or more contractions in 1 hour.

Do not send a MyChart message for urgent questions. You will not get a response on nights, weekends, or holidays. It may take 2 to 3 business days. Please call if you have an urgent concern.