Scheduled or Necessary? How to Navigate Induction Recommendations
Induction is not one single decision — it’s a pathway.
Sometimes induction is truly urgent and medically necessary, and acting quickly is the safest option for both mother and baby. Other times, induction is recommended because of timing, policy, or precaution rather than an immediate medical emergency. These two situations often get discussed in the same way, even though they are very different.
A key clue is how the induction is offered. If it can be scheduled days or weeks in advance and placed on a calendar, that usually means there is time to pause, ask questions, and consider options. True emergencies don’t wait.
It’s also important to understand that induction is not a simple, risk-free procedure. While it can be the right choice in certain situations, it often involves multiple steps and medications that can change how labor unfolds. For some, induction becomes the first step in a cascade of additional interventions. Not because anything went wrong, but because one intervention can increase the likelihood of the next.
This checklist is not about saying no to induction.
It’s about slowing the conversation down, understanding why it’s being recommended, and knowing whether the situation is urgent or optional.
Education doesn’t mean refusing care.
It means making informed choices with clarity, context, and consent.
Questions to Ask
Why is induction being recommended?
What is the specific medical reason for this induction?
Is this based on my individual situation or general policy?
What evidence supports induction at this gestational age?
Consider: Vague answers like “you’re close to your due date” or “we don’t like pregnancies past 40 weeks” usually point to policy, not urgency.
2. How urgent is it?
Is this an emergency or precaution?
Would we be acting today if it were truly urgent?
What would happen if we waited 24-48 hours?
Consider: Emergencies happen immediately. Scheduled inductions usually mean there is time to consider your options.
3. What are the risks of waiting?
What are the actual risks of waiting for labour to start on its own?
How do those risks change day by day?
How will we monitor me and my baby if we wait?
Consider: Monitoring (NSTs, ultrasounds, blood pressure checks) often shows waiting is considered safe
4. What are the risks of induction?
What are the potential risks for me and my baby?
How might induction affect labour length, pain, or additional interventions?
Is my body showing signs of readiness?
Consider: Saying there are no risks with an induction is a red flag! A clear discussion of risks and benefits supports informed consent
5. What are my alternatives?
Could we wait a few more days?
Are there options other than induction right now?
Can we reassess if needed?
Consider: If alternatives exist, the situation is likely not an emergency.
6. What happens if I decline or delay?
What changes if I choose to wait?
Can this decision be revisited?
Consider: You always have the right to informed refusal unless immediate danger is present.
7. How will induction be done?
What methods would be used and why?
How long does it usually take?
At what point would additional interventions be considered?
Consider: Understanding the process helps you prepare and see if the recommendation fits your goals.
8. The Big Picture Question:
If this were truly urgent, would it be happening right now, or could it be scheduled on a calendar?
Consider: This distinction often clarifies whether induction is an emergency or an optional decision.
✅ Tip: Keep this checklist handy and use it during appointments. You deserve clarity, context, and time to make your choices.