Inducing Labour With Dilapan-S

You’re almost there, mama! 🏅

Soon, you’ll be holding your precious little one for the very first time… but before that magical moment, there’s just one more thing to tackle—labour. 😅

We’re not going to sugarcoat it, labour can be tough, and sometimes, a little nudge is what baby needs to make their big entrance into the world. 👶

There is lots of information out there about all the various methods of induction, so today we’re talking about Dilapan-S, a non-hormonal, mechanical approach to cervical ripening (a lovely turn of phrase, we know!)

So, what exactly is Dilapan-S?

And how does it work to induce labour?

We’ve got you covered — let’s dive right in. 👇

In this article: 📝

How do they induce labour?

The process of being induced will vary depending on your medical team and the exact reason for your induction. Different countries, trusts, and hospitals can have slightly different tools and procedures, too. You may need one or more of the following options to kickstart your labour.

Step 1: Ripen the cervix

The first core step in a vaginal delivery is the opening of the cervix. However, this doesn’t always happen automatically. In these cases, doctors may need to help the cervix to soften and dilate. This is called “cervical ripening”.

Your doctors will use what’s called the Bishop Scale to determine your cervix’s readiness for labour. If your Bishop Score is less than six (on a scale from 0-13), your cervix needs help to dilate and efface (thin out and soften). This is where Dilapan-S steps in.

To help get things moving, a cervical ripener like Dilapan-S will be carefully inserted through your vagina and into your cervix. Usually, multiple dilators are inserted to gently get to work. Once in place, the moisture from your cervix causes them to slowly expand, softening, dilating and relaxing the cervix.

These dilators are typically in place for 12-15 hours (no longer than 24 hours) at which point your doctor will remove them and assess your status.

A relaxed, dilated cervix is just one aspect of inducing labour.

Step 2: Stripping the membranes

Once your cervix is at least partially dilated, your medical team might advise stripping, or “sweeping,” the membranes, which is when your doctor will insert a finger through the cervix to break the membranes connecting your amniotic sac and the uterine wall. This will usually trigger your body’s release of prostaglandin, which can stimulate your uterus to begin contractions.

Step 3: Amniotomy

If needed, the next step is called an amniotomy–a procedure where your waters are broken manually. Your doctor will insert a long thin plastic instrument, which looks a bit like a crochet hook, into your vagina to gently tear the amniotic sac and break your waters. Your waters breaking will generally kick start contractions and the body’s natural urge to go into labour. This, too, can only be done if your cervix is already partially dilated.

Step 4: Intravenous medication

If you have gone through all the previous steps (or your waters have broken on their own) but contractions are not progressing, you will be given an intravenous drug called Pitocin. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, which is the hormone that causes your uterus to contract. The amount of Pitocin you are given will increase until labour is well underway.

Throughout all of these stages of labour, your and your baby’s heart rates and general well-being will be monitored closely, and you will likely stay at the hospital for the duration of your induction.

However, if Dilapan-S is your chosen form of cervical dilator, you will be free to go about your regular activities (within reason, no skydiving please) until labour is well and truly on the way. The gentle nature of Dilapan-S means you can sleep, move freely, shower, all while the dilator does its thing.

Now that you know all about the steps of induction, let’s dig a little deeper into Dilapan-S.

What exactly is Dilapan-S?

Dilapan-S is a small, non-pharmacological cervical dilator made from patented hydrogel, which gradually helps to make your cervix ready for natural vaginal birth.

The dilator—just a little bigger than a matchstick—uses fluids from your cervical tissue to gently expand, and to soften, thin, and dilate your cervix.

Its non-hormonal, mechanical approach provides a gentle, comfortable, and effective method for cervical ripening, helping you take the first step towards a successful induction. It works gradually to prepare your body for labour, supporting a vaginal delivery with minimal discomfort.

Unlike other options, Dilapan-S doesn’t contain any drugs, so it is suitable for almost all induced women—a truly natural approach to cervical ripening.

Dilapan-S FAQs

Does Dilapan-S hurt?

The insertion can be slightly uncomfortable and even a bit painful for some, but most women say it’s similar to a usual vaginal examination.

The insertion only takes a few minutes and after that, you can go about your usual activities without pain or discomfort.

Will the dilators fall out on their own?

The dilators will be removed by your clinician, usually within 12-15 hours (no longer than 24 hours). If they fall out spontaneously, it may signal the onset of labour. If at all concerned, please contact your clinician immediately.

Is Dilapan-S suitable for me?

Dilapan-S can be used in almost all induced women, including those with high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia), gestational diabetes, systemic disease, or those who have had a previous Caesarean section.

The only contraindication for the use of Dilapan-S is a clinically apparent genital tract infection.

Your doctor and midwife will discuss with you the safest options for you and your baby.

So there we have it, that’s a Peanut rundown on Dilapan-S.

Deciding which induction method to go for can be a tricky decision.

Especially when you’re anxious for the little babe to come out and meet you.

Just make sure to talk everything through with your doctor to agree on the best decision for you and baby. 🤗

Want more advice from mamas who’ve been through it?

We know just the place. 🥜