Labour usually starts naturally between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. You will be offered induction by 42 weeks, which is two weeks past your 'due date', because the risk of your baby developing health problems increases. You may also be offered induction if you have other health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

There are a number of ways in which labour can be induced:

1. Syntocinon - a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin - may be administered by an intravenous drip in your arm to stimulate contractions. The drip rate can be adjusted so contractions occur often enough to open your cervix
2. A membrane sweep during which the membranes that surround your baby are separated from your cervix (the opening to the womb). A midwife or doctor can carry out this procedure during an internal examination
3. Inserting a pessary or gel containing the hormone prostaglandin into the vagina to open the cervix. Prostaglandin helps stimulate uterine contractions
4. Artificial rupture of the membranes (ARM) is where the obstetrician passes a long thin probe through your cervix and makes a small break in the membranes around your baby

You should ask your obstetrician questions about the procedure before it is performed.