Is Induction of Labour More Painful? All Women Should Know

As someone who recently walked through the path of induction of labour, I can tell you firsthand, the process comes with many questions, and one of the biggest ones I had was: Is induction of labour more painful​? If you’re a woman asking yourself the same question, you’re not alone.

When I first heard that I might need to be induced, I didn’t even know what that meant exactly. Like many women, I imagined long hours, painful contractions, and possibly a more “medicalized” birth. But I learned that knowing what to expect can make all the difference, especially when it comes to how we experience pain, anxiety, and uncertainty.

In this blog, I’ll break down exactly what induction of labour is, how it differs from natural labour, the methods used, and the truth about pain, in simple terms. I’ve added my own thoughts and experiences, too, so this feels less like a textbook and more like a friend talking you through it.

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What is Induction of Labour?

Normally, your body starts labour naturally between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. This means your cervix begins to soften, contractions start, and your waters break. But sometimes, doctors or midwives need to start this process artificially. That’s what induction is.

I learned that labour can be induced using medicines to start contractions, by breaking your waters, or by inserting a small balloon or medicine in your cervix to get things moving. Sometimes, more than one method is needed.

Why Do Women Get Induced?

In my case, I was overdue, 41 weeks and counting, and my baby was still sitting happily with no signs of coming. My midwife explained that after 41 weeks, the risks for both me and baby go up slightly. For example, the placenta might not work as well, or the baby might start moving less.

Other reasons women may be offered induction include:

• Health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Baby not growing well or showing distress
• Waters breaking without labour starting
• Concerns about the placenta

It’s important to know that induction is offered for a reason. It’s not just to hurry things along. You always have the right to ask questions and even to say no if you want to wait longer.

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Is Induction of Labour More Painful?

This is the big question. Many women (myself included) worry that induced labour will be more painful. And yes, for some, it can be. But not always.

In natural labour, contractions usually start slowly and build up gradually. With induction, especially with medicines like oxytocin, the contractions might start stronger and closer together from the beginning. That can make them feel more intense. In my case, I felt the contractions build up faster than I had expected, and they were quite strong early on.

But let’s be real, all labour involves pain. That’s not meant to scare you, but to help you focus on what tools are available to manage it. Whether labour is natural or induced, you can still choose pain relief options like gas, morphine, an epidural, or even water immersion if your hospital allows it.

Also, remember that what one woman feels as “intense” another might describe as “manageable.” Every body is different.

What Are the Methods of Induction?

Let’s break this down in simple terms. Here are the main ways labour is induced, and what they feel like based on my research and experience.

1. Prostaglandins (Gel, Tape, or Tablet)

This is the most common starting method. A hormone-like medicine is placed in the vagina to soften the cervix. It might feel like a pap smear or an internal exam, not painful, just uncomfortable.

Once the prostaglandin starts working, you might feel cramps or contractions. For me, it took a few hours before anything started, and even then, it felt more like strong period cramps at first. Some women need more than one dose. Side effects are rare but can include nausea or mild discomfort in the vagina.

2. Balloon Catheter

This is a small balloon inserted into the cervix and then filled with water to help it open. I didn’t end up needing this, but I spoke with other mums in the hospital who did. Most said it was strange but not painful, and once it was in, they could move around and rest normally. It’s usually left in for up to 15 hours.

3. Artificial Breaking of Waters (ARM)

If your cervix is already open a little, your midwife might use a tiny hook to break your waters. I was surprised at how quick this was. It felt like a pop and then a gush, like I’d wet myself, honestly! It wasn’t painful, but you do need to be lying down. This can sometimes start contractions on its own, or it may be followed by oxytocin.

4. Oxytocin Drip

This is the heavy hitter. If the other methods don’t bring on regular contractions, a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin is given through a drip in your arm. For me, this is when the pain really picked up. The contractions came faster and were stronger, and I ended up choosing an epidural at this point.

The good thing is that you’re monitored closely, and your team can adjust the drip if needed. You can still move with help, but you might feel more “tied down” because of the wires and monitors.

What Happens If Induction Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes, despite trying one or more methods, labour just doesn’t start properly. This happened to my friend who was also overdue. After about 36 hours of slow progress, her doctor recommended a caesarean. While it wasn’t what she had planned, she was grateful for the support and healthy outcome.

The important thing to know is that your team will never let you go through this alone. If one method fails, they will suggest another. And if necessary, a safe delivery by caesarean is always an option.

Worried something’s happening too soon? Take our Am I in Premature Labour Quiz and get clarity within minutes.

Are There Any Risks?

All medical procedures come with some risk. Induction is no different. Here are the main things to be aware of:

• Stronger contractions can sometimes stress the baby. That’s why constant monitoring is used during induction.
• Infection is a small risk, especially if waters are broken and labour takes a long time.
• Uterine overstimulation happens rarely but can be serious. This is when contractions come too fast or too strong, and can affect the baby’s heart rate.
• Failed induction can lead to a longer hospital stay or a caesarean.

But these risks are carefully managed. Doctors and midwives are trained to look for signs early and take action quickly.

How Can Women Prepare — Especially First-Time Mums?

From one woman to another, here’s what really helped me:

1. Ask questions. I asked my midwife everything, from what method they’d use to how I could move during labour. Knowing what to expect reduced my fear.
2. Know your pain relief options. Whether it’s gas, morphine, or an epidural, know what’s available to you and when you can ask for it.
3. Stay mobile if you can. Walking, rocking on a birthing ball, or just changing positions helped me manage pain and feel more in control.
4. Bring support. My partner’s calm voice and back massages were lifesavers.
5. Focus on the outcome. At the end of the day, all the discomfort led to the most beautiful reward, holding my baby in my arms.

Final Thoughts: What I Learned as a Woman

So, Is induction of labour more painful​? Sometimes, yes, but not always. The experience varies from woman to woman, and so does pain. What matters most is that you feel informed, supported, and in control of your choices.

As a woman who went through this process with a lot of fears but also a lot of trust in my care team, I want to say this: You are stronger than you know. Whether your labour starts naturally or is induced, your body knows how to bring your baby into the world. And you have every right to ask questions, speak up, and make the choices that feel right for you.

If you’re facing induction, talk openly with your midwife or doctor. Ask about the methods available, the risks, the benefits, and how they’ll support you. And remember, the goal is always the same, a safe birth for you and your baby.

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