Things You Need to Know Before Your Induction of Labor
Induction of labor is common—but what a lot of people don’t realize is that it can be a very different experience than spontaneous labor.
So if you’ve got an induction on your calendar, here are some things you’re going to want to know going in—so you feel prepared, supported, and not blindsided by the process.
Your Support Team Matters More Than You Think
One of the most impactful things you can do before an induction of labor is build the right support system around you.
This can include your partner, family—but also a doula if that’s accessible to you.
Doulas provide:
Emotional and physical support
Comfort measures during labor
Advocacy when you need your voice amplified
Continuous presence (which is HUGE during long inductions)
And we’re not just talking vibes here—there’s evidence showing:
Decreased use of epidurals
Increased breastfeeding rates
Lower rates of interventions and C-sections
Improved satisfaction with the birth experience
Reduced risk of birth trauma and postpartum mental health struggles
Bottom line? Having the right people in your corner can completely change how your induction feels.
Inductions Can Take Time—Plan for That
This is one of the biggest mindset shifts I want you to have: an induction of labor is not usually a quick process.
Sometimes your body responds right away.
Sometimes… it really doesn’t.
You can spend hours—or even longer—in early or “prodromal” labor while your body gets the message.
And that’s where distraction becomes your best friend.
As a labor nurse, I always tell patients:
Bring things that help you not stare at the clock.
Think:
A book or Kindle
Netflix or downloaded shows
Light snacks (if your care team allows it)
Comfort items from home (pillows, blankets, photos, lighting)
The hospital can feel like a pressure cooker if all you’re doing is waiting. Creating a more familiar, calm space can make a huge difference mentally.
Also—don’t underestimate the power of limiting outside noise.
That group chat blowing up your phone? Not always helpful.
Don’t Rely on One Pain Strategy—Have Options
A lot of people go into an induction thinking they’ll “figure out pain management when it happens.” I wouldn’t recommend that.
Labor—especially induced labor—can ramp up in intensity, and coping tools work best when they’re already familiar to your body.
Some options to explore and actually practice:
Breathing techniques
Visualization
Hypnobirthing
Movement and positioning
Hydrotherapy
Counter pressure
Massage
Focal points or mantras
Even if you’re planning an epidural, this still matters.
Because real talk:
Labor can progress quickly
Anesthesia might be delayed
Epidurals don’t always work perfectly
Having a few tools in your back pocket can make your experience feel much more manageable.
Understand Your Induction Options (and Your Bishop Score)
One of the most important conversations you can have before your induction is with your provider.
Not just what is happening—but why.
There are different types of induction methods, and what’s recommended for you depends a lot on something called your Bishop score.
This score looks at:
Cervical dilation
Effacement (thinning)
Consistency
Position
Baby’s station
It’s scored from 0–13.
8 or more > your cervix is considered favorable
6 or less > less favorable, meaning your body may need more prep
Here’s why that matters:
If your cervix isn’t ready (think “thicker than a snicker”), jumping straight to something like oxytocin might not be very effective.
On the flip side, if your cervix is already quite favorable, you may not need certain methods like cervical ripening agents or mechanical dilation.
This is why understanding your body’s starting point can help you:
Set realistic expectations
Ask better questions
Feel more in control of your experience
Go In With Realistic Expectations
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this as a labor and delivery nurse, it’s this:
Inductions often take time.
If you go in expecting:
“I’ll get one dose of medication and have my baby a couple hours later…”
…and that doesn’t happen—it can leave you feeling discouraged, frustrated, or even like your body is “failing.”
But that’s not what’s happening.
Your body is working.
It just might be working on a slower timeline.
Setting realistic expectations going in can:
Protect your mindset
Reduce stress
Help you stay flexible when plans shift
And that flexibility? It goes a long way in creating a more positive birth experience.
Final Thoughts
Induction of labor isn’t one-size-fits-all—and your experience will be uniquely yours.
But going in informed, supported, and prepared?
That’s what makes the difference.
If you found this helpful, stick around—I’ve got plenty more labor and delivery nurse tips coming your way. And as always… be happy, stay healthy, have fun. 💛
