Induction of Labour Workshop supports hundreds of expectant parents

Since its launch in August 2024, the Induction of Labour workshop run by Gloucestershire Hospitals has become a trusted resource for expectant parents, with 750 attendees over 18 months. The sessions were developed in response to feedback from parents who wanted more opportunities to understand the induction process and feel confident in their choices.

Lead Midwife Claire Watson-Pople, who runs the workshop, said: “On average we have around eight women and birth partners joining each session. The workshop is a really valuable resource, giving parents the chance to ask questions, meet others due at a similar time and feel more prepared for induction.”

The one-hour midwife-led online workshop covers what to expect during induction, the different methods that may be offered, what to bring to the hospital, and ways to make the experience a positive one. It is designed for expectant parents and their birth partners to learn together and ask questions in a supportive environment.

Attendance is voluntary, and anyone who chooses not to have their labour induced is offered a discussion with a doctor or senior midwife to create a personalised care plan.

To make the workshop even more accessible, the Trust plans to record a session and upload it to YouTube, allowing people with limited English language skills to use automatic translation features in the future.

Running weekly, the workshop provides practical guidance and reassurance, helping expectant parents feel informed, supported and ready for the induction process. Its success over the past 18 months highlights the value of providing clear, accessible information to help parents make confident decisions about their care.

What is Induction of Labour?

Induction of labour (IOL) is a medical procedure used to start labour when it is considered that doing so will benefit the health of the woman or her baby. Midwives or doctors may recommend induction if there are good reasons to safely shorten the pregnancy.

Labour is induced in around 3 to 4 out of every 10 pregnancies in the UK, with similar figures in Gloucestershire. The timing of induction depends on the reason it is being recommended. Research shows that induction after 39 weeks does not increase the likelihood of requiring a caesarean birth.

Common reasons for induction include:

• The pregnancy is overdue (lasting 41 to 42 weeks), to reduce the risk of stillbirth.
• The waters have broken but labour has not started, to reduce the risk of infection.
• Concerns about the baby, such as changes in movement or other wellbeing issues.
• Pregnancy-related health conditions, including high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Induction is always discussed carefully with women and birthing people so that the benefits and risks are clear and informed decisions can be made.