In a perfect world, your body is ready, your baby is fully mature, and you spontaneously go into labor on your due date. In reality, nearly one in four expecting mothers undergo a procedure to induce labor. The key is knowing when an induction may be medically necessary and when it may be better to wait it out. Explore the many reasons a care provider may suggest an induction, from medical considerations to practical concerns. Learn your options, the various methods used to initiate labor, how each approach works, the potential risks and benefits, and why timing matters. This episode examines the evidence on all of your options, including stripping and sweeping membranes, misoprostol (Cytotec), dinoprostone (Cervidil & Prepidil), synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin), using a laminaria or balloon catheter, and breaking your water.      Thank you to our sponsors   The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could possibly want to transform any room into a sleep sanctuary. Create ideal sleep patterns and environments for your baby so your whole family gets better and longer sleep. The V-Hush Pro has built-in sleep programs and sleep tips from WeeSleep experts, over 200 pre-programmed stories, classical music, lullabies, and natural sounds. You can even record and upload your own voice, songs, or stories using the subscription-free app. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother is available at Walmart and Amazon.   The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 11 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE. FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you'll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child’s age, no third-party ads, and 11 photo prints every month--all for free! Click here to download the app   Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. That’s a $48 value for FREE! Just one daily scoop provides whole-body benefits like gut, immune, and stress support. AG1 sources bioavailable ingredients that actually work with your body. Plus, their formula has all non-GMO ingredients and contains no added sugar. With AG1, I know I am filling any nutrient gaps and supporting my gut for healthy digestion. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)     Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.     Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.     Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.     For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.