الفهرس 
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Abstract
Induction of labor is the artificial initiation of uterine contraction prior to their spontaneous onset leading to progressive dilatation and effacement of the cervix and delivery of the baby. The term usually restricted to pregnancies at gestations greater than the legal definition of the fetal viability.
The rate of induction varies widely in different countries and units and between individual obstetricians within the same unit. Such variation may be due to differences in the indications for induction, definitions (e.g. post maturity or hypertension), availability of resources as well as unexplained differences in opinion and practice. Post-term pregnancy is the most common indication for induction.
Potential risks of induction include increased rate of operative vaginal delivery, caesarean birth, excessive uterine activity, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, uterine rupture, maternal water intoxication, delivery of preterm infant due to incorrect estimation of dates, and possibly cord prolapse with artificial rupture of membranes.