Inductions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

So, your provider is talking about induction—maybe you’re past your due date, managing a medical condition, or just straight-up over being pregnant (seriously, no judgment if you’re 39 weeks and done). Whatever the reason, knowing what to expect during an induction can make the whole thing a lot less stressful.

An induction means labor is started artificially, rather than waiting for your body to kick things off on its own. There are a few different methods, and sometimes they’re used in combination. Your provider might use medications like Cytotec(misoprostol) or Cervidil to soften the cervix. They might insert a Foley balloon, which manually dilates the cervix, or break your water (that’s called an amniotomy). If contractions don’t get rolling on their own, Pitocin—a synthetic form of oxytocin—is often used to get things moving.

But here’s the thing: not all cervixes are equally ready. That’s where the Bishop score comes in.

The Bishop score is a pre-labor scoring system that helps your provider assess how favorable your cervix is for a vaginal delivery. It takes into account five factors: cervical dilation, effacement (thinning), station (how low baby is in the pelvis), cervical consistency (soft or firm), and position (anterior, mid, or posterior). A higher score—typically 8 or more—means your body is more likely to respond well to induction. A lower score doesn’t mean things won’t go well, it just might take longer to get labor started.

Check out this helpful guide from ACOG to understand how your Bishop score fits into the induction process.

What to Expect During an Induction—and How to Prep Like a Pro:

• Pack all the snacks. Inductions can take 12–48 hours. You’ll be glad you did.
• Rest before the big day. Seriously, get sleep if you can.
• Bring entertainment. Books, playlists, downloads—induction often involves waiting.
• Know your options. You can pause to ask questions or request time before saying yes to interventions.

Having a doula can make a huge difference, especially during a long induction. We’re here to explain things, advocate with you, and help you feel human in a hospital gown. If you’re heading into an induction and want extra support, Uptown Doula has your back.

And if you want to nerd out a little more, check out Evidence Based Birth’s full rundown on induction options and outcomes.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.