Women's experiences of being induced for post-date pregnancy

SummaryAimTo explore the women's experiences of being booked for induction of labour for a pregnancy greater than 41 weeks gestation.Participants23 primigravidae who were booked for induction: 18 were induced (induction group) and 5 went into spontaneous labour (comparison group).MethodData were collected by a series of interviews from booking to after birthing: interpretative techniques analysed verbatim transcriptions.FindingsTwo dimensions of being in the process of induction were identified: (1) a sense of “Time's Up,” when the natural, temporal aspects of pregnancy end with an imposed birth date and sequenced induction procedures and, (2) a required “Shift in Expectations” from the women's original plan for labour and birth. The women varied in their responses from welcoming the end of pregnancy to feeling that their body or their baby was not ready for birth. A lack of meaningful information regarding the process of induction was also identified. The comparison group focused their worry on the impact of induction on the baby whereas the induction group expressed concern about the effect on themselves and loss of a natural birth. Worries in both groups were dissipated by successfully birthing a healthy baby.Implications and outcomesThe findings sensitise midwives to women's possible responses to being booked for induction. Antenatal educators can use this knowledge to prepare women and their partners for required shifts in their birthing plan when induction is deemed necessary. Midwives can help women adapt their birth plans during the induction process.