Guidance
Update information
November 2021: We have reviewed the evidence and made new recommendations on the induction of labour for prevention of prolonged pregnancy, induction of labour in suspected fetal macrosomia, induction of labour for intrauterine fetal death after previous caesarean birth and pharmacological and mechanical methods to induce labour. These recommendations are marked [2021].
We have also made some changes without an evidence review. These recommendations are marked [2008, amended 2021].
Recommendations marked [2008] last had an evidence review in 2008. In some cases minor changes have been made to the wording to bring the language and style up to date, without changing the meaning.
Changes to the 2008 recommendations, showing the original and updated wording for comparison, are listed in supplement 6.
Minor changes since publication
October 2023: We updated the links to the NICE guideline on intrapartum care, which has been updated.
May 2023: Following stakeholder feedback, we amended recommendations 1.2.17 and 1.2.32 to make it clear that women should have a discussion about methods of induction covering matters relevant to all possible options.
December 2022: We updated the links in recommendations 1.5.3 and 1.5.5 to refer to the NICE guideline on fetal monitoring in labour.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-4327-2