An induced labour can be more painful than a natural labour. In natural labour, the contractions build up slowly, but in induced labour they can start more quickly and be stronger. Because the labour can be more painful, you are more likely to want some type of pain relief.

Are contractions more painful when induced?

As oxytocin levels increase, more endorphins are released. When labour is induced, the artificial oxytocin used to stimulate contractions does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Your body doesn't receive signals to release the endorphins and you experience more intense pain.

How long does it take to give birth after being induced?

The time taken to go into labor after being induced varies and can take anywhere between a few hours up to two to three days. In most healthy pregnancies, labor usually starts spontaneously between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy.