How to Schedule a Labor Induction
There are two instances when an obstetrician will induce labor: when a mother and/or child is in medical jeopardy, or when a pregnant woman decides to schedule an induction for reasons of personal preference or convenience. These are known as elective inductions. A labor induction requires preparation, and not every woman who wants this procedure will qualify.
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Instructions
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Evaluate your eligibility. Women who have previously had a C-section or other major uterine surgery are not considered viable candidates for elective induction. Talk to your obstetrician about any other conditions that may prevent the possibility of induction.
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Determine the ideal date for labor and delivery. Make sure that the date is not before the pregnancy has reached 39 weeks. Induction before this stage is considered risky, and in most cases will not be performed for any reason other than a medical emergency.
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Schedule a doctor appointment. In addition to evaluating your medical history, your obstetrician will need to perform an exam to ensure that the cervix is soft and open (ready for labor and delivery). At this examination, the doctor will determine a Bishop Score (assessment of cervix for labor readiness). The Bishop Score must be at least a 10 for first-time mothers to qualify for elective induction.
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Have a contingency plan. In some cases, the doctor will simply determine that labor should happen naturally. In other cases, you may show up on your scheduled induction date only to be bumped out of your spot by more urgent cases. Being flexible in planning will prevent disappointment should things change.
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