The journey to motherhood is both sweet and demanding. Of course, everyone plans and hopes for things to go the right way. However, this isn’t always the case. At about 39 weeks of pregnancy, most healthy pregnant women will fall into labor on their own.
Most, not all.
Labor starts with the softening and ripening of the cervix. Once this has happened, the uterus starts contracting, the baby descends as the cervix opens further, the water breaks, and the baby is born. Sometimes, this process doesn’t start spontaneously as expected.
In this instance, healthcare providers could offer induced labor.
In plain terms, this is the process of artificially stimulating the uterus to begin contractions to achieve a successful vaginal delivery. Generally, doctors perform this procedure before the onset of labor or in situations when the uterus fails to begin contractions by the due date.
In this post, you’d learn all there is to know about induced labor; how it happens, the possible complications, and a final note from us to you.
The time it takes different women to fall into labor after induction varies.
In fact, the onset of labor depends on a number of factors which include:
Most times, induction of labor is an elective procedure.
This means that you would have had enough time to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and associated risks with your doctor. However, the benefits of inducing labor are usually greater than the risks.
Doctors consider inducing labor for a number of reasons. These include:
Induced labor becomes a valid option if the pregnancy is already more than 39 weeks (at least two weeks more than the due date) and the process of labor has not begun.
Once the water breaks, it is a sign that a baby is ready to come out. However, if labor doesn’t begin soon after, the baby could be in grave danger. As a result, induced labor is a reasonable option in this case.
A history of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy also increases the chances of induced labor. In this instance, labor is induced to monitor fetal health and reduce the risk of complications.
This is a reduction in the volume of fluid (amniotic fluid) surrounding a baby. In this case, induced labor hastens the process of labor and reduces the risk of complications.
This is when the placenta detaches partially or completely from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. This is not good for babies because there’d be a reduction in nutrients and oxygen supply. As a result, induced labor is a reliable care option.
In addition, induced labor is also a reliable option in cases of:
Furthermore, you can also opt for induced labor even if you do not have any of the listed above. This is an option for women with term pregnancies and a history of rapid vaginal deliveries, as it reduces the risk of them going into labor without a healthcare personnel present.
There are different methods of inducing labor. Depending on the need for induced labor, your doctor may:
Synthetic prostaglandins can be used to ripen (thin or soften) the cervix. When this is done, your contractions and your baby’s heart rate will be monitored. Also, a catheter (a small tube) with an inflatable balloon on the end is inserted into your cervix. This tube is then filled with saline and it is rested against the inside of your cervix and also helps to ripen your cervix.
This technique is also known as amniotomy. It can only be done if the cervix is partially dilated and thinned and your baby’s head is already in the pelvis.
Your health care provider can give you a synthetic version of oxytocin, known as Pitocin intravenously. (Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract). This can also be used to speed up or augment labor that has already begun.
Your health care provider can use a combination of any of these methods to induce your labor. Usually, induced labor is often successful.
However, if it doesn’t work out as planned, a C-section is the next option.
Some possible complications of inducing labor include:
Induced labor is not for everyone. It is not an option for you if:
Finally, it is important to remember that induced labors are safe, protected, and often successful. With all the info explained above, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Remember, we’re always here to help you.
Adler, K., Rahkonen, L. & Kruit, H. Maternal childbirth experience in induced and spontaneous labour measured in a visual analog scale and the factors influencing it; a two-year cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 20, 415 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03106-4
Lueth, G.D., Kebede, A. & Medhanyie, A.A. Prevalence, outcomes and associated factors of labor induction among women delivered at public hospitals of MEKELLE town-(a hospital based cross sectional study). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 20, 203 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-02862-7
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