Outpatient Induction of Labour now offered at Milton Keynes University Hospital
From January 28, 2019, pregnant women who have an uncomplicated pregnancy and who are fit and well, will have the option of an outpatient induction of labour.
This means that, after attending the hospital to be induced, they will be able to go home for up to 24 hours if they wish.
Although most women go into labour naturally, one in every four to five pregnancies is induced for various reasons. Outpatient induction of labour will only be offered to women with low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies when they are 12 days post their expected delivery date. Women will attend the hospital’s Antenatal Day Assessment Unit (ADAU) in the morning and then be able to go home shortly afterwards. They will have access to a midwife on the telephone for advice and support if needed at all times.
Melissa Coles, ADAU Lead Midwife explains: ‘In some cases induction of labour can take up to three days, so we want to offer low-risk women the opportunity to go home after commencing the induction process if they would like to. This will allow them to feel more relaxed in the comfort of their own home and reduce the time they have to spend in hospital.’
If you think you may be suitable for an outpatient induction or would like to know more, speak to your community midwife.
Last Modified: 11:20am 24/01/2019
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