The induction of labour epidemic. Are we rushing birth?

In recent years, the rates of labour induction have risen dramatically in the UK and across the globe.  A national survey of NHS units between 2021-2022, revealed induction rates ranging from 19.2% to 53.4% and in England, only two in five women and birthing people now go into labour spontaneously, compared to two-thirds a decade ago.  What was once considered a medical intervention reserved for specific circumstances, has become increasingly routine.  This may be considered as ‘induction epidemic’, but what does it mean for birthing people, babies and the culture of childbirth?

What is induction of labour?

Labour induction refers to the use of medical methods - such as medications like oxytocin or prostaglandins or procedures such as membrane sweeps or breaking the waters – to artificially start labour.

Induction can be indicated when there are medical reasons such as severe pre-eclampsia or major concerns regarding the wellbeing of the baby.  However, more and more inductions are being performed without urgent medical necessity.

Why are induction rates rising?

Several factors contribute to the increase:

Policy changes – in some hospitals, guidelines recommend earlier inductions to reduce a perceived risk of overdue pregnancies.

Fear of complications – both parents and care givers worry about stillbirth, large babies or other complications – even when evidence does not always justify early induction.

Cultural expectations – modern maternity care increasingly prioritises medical management over physiological birth.

The risks of routine induction?

While induction may be indicated, it is not risk-free.  Induction may increase the chance of further interventions such as episiotomy, instrumental birth (ventouse or forceps) or caesarean section.  Induction may also make labour more intense leading to a requirement for more pain relief such as an epidural.  Induction may require longer hospital stays and ultimately impact the birthing person’s emotional experience of birth.

For the baby, an early induction – especially before 39 weeks – may increase the risk of feeding challenges or requirements for support with breathing.

Finding the balance

Induction is not inherently ‘bad’ but when used widely without medical necessity, it may undermine trust in natural physiological processes and expose families to avoidable risks.

What can you do?

Ask questions: Why is induction being recommended? What are the risks of waiting versus acting now?  Use the BRAIN analogy to support decision making.

Know your rights: Informed consent means you have the right to accept or decline induction after weighing up the evidence.

Seek support: Midwives, doulas and childbirth educators can help you prepare for all scenarios, including induction.

Final thoughts

The rising rates of labour induction reflect broader trends in how we view pregnancy and birth – often through the lens of risk and control.  While induction has its place, birth is not something that always needs to be managed.  Sometimes, waiting and trusting the body is the safest path.

The challenge ahead lies in reclaiming balance: using induction wisely, not routinely and ensuring families feel supported, informed and empowered in their birth choices.