Key priorities for implementation (key recommendations)
Information and decision making
Women should be informed that most women will go into labour spontaneously by 42 weeks. At
the 38 week antenatal visit, all women should be offered information about the risks associated
with pregnancies that last longer than 42 weeks, and their options. The information should cover:
• membrane sweeping:
– that membrane sweeping makes spontaneous labour more likely, and so reduces the need
for formal induction of labour to prevent prolonged pregnancy
– what a membrane sweep is
– that discomfort and vaginal bleeding are possible from the procedure
• induction of labour between 41+0 and 42+0 weeks
• expectant management.
Healthcare professionals should explain the following points to women being offered induction
of labour:
• the reasons for induction being offered
• when, where and how induction could be carried out
• the arrangements for support and pain relief (recognising that women are likely to find
induced labour more painful than spontaneous labour) (see also Section 7.2)
• the alternative options if the woman chooses not to have induction of labour
• the risks and benefits of induction of labour in specific circumstances and the proposed
induction methods
• that induction may not be successful and what the woman’s options would be.