As you near the end of your pregnancy, everything is starting to feel very real and exciting! With just the labour and delivery to go through before you meet your little one, there are a few things you need to know about this time.

There is a chance that you may need an intervention in the run up to labour, while in labour or while delivering. This is called a birth intervention.

What is a birth intervention?

An intervention during birth, labour or delivery is when a midwife or doctor takes an action to assist with the birthing process.

What are the types of intervention?

Induction

When you reach your due date at 40 weeks of pregnancy, you will have a midwife appointment. Many of the things that happen at this appointment will be the same as other midwife appointments, but they may also discuss the possibility of an induction of labour with you as you progress beyond your due date and help you understand the reasons and risks.

An induction is usually offered at 41 weeks, which is a week beyond your due date. Unless there is a medical need to progress with the delivery of your baby quickly, it is entirely your decision as to whether you would like to accept an induction. Some women choose not to accept inductions as there’s the risk that they can cause contractions that are more intense, painful or irregular or may increase the risk of infections in certain circumstances. 

Generally healthcare providers would prefer you to go into labour naturally so will offer inductions when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. We’ve broken down some of the pros and cons of the different types of induction below so that you can easily understand what might be best for you and your baby:

Stretch and Sweep (Membrane Sweep)

This is the first and most gentle type of induction you’ll be offered, and it may even happen at a midwife appointment around your due date. A midwife or doctor inserts a gloved finger into the cervix and makes circular movements to separate the amniotic sac from the uterus with the goal of encouraging the release of hormones that may start labour.

Pros:

  • Non-medical and often offered before other induction methods.
  • Can encourage labour to start naturally.
  • Can sometimes prevent the need for further interventions.

Cons:

  • Can be uncomfortable or painful.
  • Might not work, requiring further induction.
  • Can cause spotting or mild cramping.

Prostaglandin Gel or Pessary

A hormone-based gel, tablet, or pessary is inserted into the vagina to soften and dilate the cervix.

Pros:

  • Mimics natural labour by preparing the cervix.
  • Allows some movement and mobility.
  • Less invasive than other methods.

Cons:

  • Can cause contractions that are intense and irregular.
  • Sometimes requires multiple doses.
  • Possible side effects like nausea or excessive contractions (hyperstimulation), which may require medication to slow them down.

Balloon Catheter (Foley or Cook Catheter)

A small tube with a balloon is inserted into the cervix and inflated with water, mechanically encouraging dilation.

Pros:

  • Drug-free option with fewer risks of hyperstimulation.
  • Can be used when prostaglandins are unsuitable (e.g., after previous C-section).
  • Can be removed easily if not effective.

Cons:

  • Can be uncomfortable and cause cramping.
  • Might not be sufficient on its own to start labour.
  • May still require additional induction methods.

Breaking Waters (Artificial Rupture of Membranes)

A midwife or doctor breaks the amniotic sac using a small hooked instrument. This is usually offered if contractions are irregular or slowing, in order to help dilation to progress, if other induction types haven’t worked, or if baby is not in a good position for birth.

Pros:

  • Once waters break, contractions often begin naturally.
  • No medication involved.
  • Can be combined with other methods if labour doesn’t start.

Cons:

  • If contractions don’t start, further intervention (e.g., oxytocin drip) may be needed.
  • Increased risk of infection if labour doesn’t progress.
  • Can cause discomfort and make contractions more intense.

Oxytocin (Syntocinon) Drip

If your labour is not progressing well, you may be offered a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin through an IV drip to stimulate contractions.

Pros:

  • Usually very effective at stimulating labour.
  • Labour can be closely controlled and monitored.
  • Can be adjusted in strength if needed.

Cons:

  • Often results in stronger, more painful contractions.
  • May require continuous monitoring, limiting movement.
  • Higher chance of needing an epidural due to pain.
  • Increased risk of hyperstimulation, which can distress the baby.

Assisted Delivery (Instrumental)

During the final stage of labour, you may need some assistance to deliver the baby. There are a number of reasons why this may be necessary but the most common include the mother tiring during a prolonged second stage of labour, if the baby is showing signs of distress, such as their heart rate rising or falling, if baby is positioned awkwardly, or if baby is not descending well.

There are two types of assisted delivery: ventouse and forceps. 

If the baby is lower in the birth canal, a ventouse (sometimes known as vacuum cup) can be used. This has less risk of tearing for the mother, but is not as useful if baby is not positioned well.

If the baby is not well positioned, forceps are usually used. These are better for an emergency and can help to guide the baby out, but baby may have marks and bruising on their face, and there is a higher risk of tears too.

Episiotomy

An episiotomy is sometimes used alone or with an instrumental delivery. This is where a doctor makes a small incision to the perineum. This may help to reduce the risk of larger tears or to assist with an instrumental delivery. This cut will be stitched and should heal within 4-6 weeks of giving birth.

Emergency C Section

A caesarean section may be planned in advance, but an emergency C section falls into the category of a birth intervention. This usually takes place if the risks to the mother or the baby are high and it is more important that the baby is delivered quickly. 

Can I collect my baby’s cord blood with birth interventions?

In the vast majority of cases, birth interventions should not impact cord blood collection. The main reason why cord blood collection may be impacted is if there is significant distress or complications for the mother and the baby, in which case, the medical team will prioritise their safety. This is very unlikely though and is usually not as a result of the birth interventions themselves as it could happen at any birth.