"Labor induction is a medical procedure that stimulates childbirth and delivery. It can be done with pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical methods and is estimated to be used in about 25% of pregnant women in Western countries. Medical reasons for inducing labor include postterm pregnancy, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, health risks to the mother, premature rupture of the membranes, premature termination of the pregnancy, fetal death in utero, twin pregnancy after 38 weeks, and certain health conditions in the mother. Methods of inducing labor include medication, mechanical or physical approaches such as artificial rupture of membranes or membrane sweeping, and intrauterine catheters. Medications used for induction include prostaglandins, synthetic oxytocin, and mifepristone. Non-pharmaceutical methods include acupuncture, herbal remedies, and sexual intercourse. Inducing labor at or after term is generally believed to improve outcomes for newborns and reduce the number of cesarean sections."
(I did not proof read any of this, take with a grain of salt)