Induction of Labor

Dec 18

Induction is ANY act or intervention that prompts the uterus to contract before it begins on its own. It is also important to know that there is no scientific evidence that shows what begins labor. It is still a mystery (maybe it is meant to be!).

Medical Induction:

Medical induction is typically done to bring on labor that is suspected to be past due, or there is some indication for it to be necessary for the health of the mother. In most Canadian hospitals, women with low-risk pregnancies are able to request inductions once they are 39 weeks.

Risks:

Failed induction. An induction might be considered failed if the methods used don't result in a vaginal delivery after 24 or more hours. In such cases, a C-section might be necessary.
Low fetal heart rate. The medications used to induce labor — oxytocin or a prostaglandin — might cause the uterus to contract too much, which can lessen the baby's oxygen supply and lower the baby's heart rate.
Infection. Some methods of labor induction, such as rupturing the membranes, might increase the risk of infection for both mother and baby. The longer the time between membrane rupture and labor, the higher the risk of an infection.
Uterine rupture. This is a rare but serious complication in which the uterus tears along the scar line from a prior C-section or major uterine surgery. Rarely, uterine rupture can also occur in women who have not had previous uterine surgery.
Emotional stress for mother. Invasive intervention, as well as the anxiety that is common with “waiting” for these interventions to work. Labor beginning more quickly than the natural body is prepared.

Types of Medical Induction:

Ripening of the cervix. Sometimes prostaglandins, versions of chemicals the body naturally produces, are placed inside the vagina or taken by mouth to thin or soften (ripen) the cervix. After prostaglandin use, the contractions and the baby's heart rate are monitored. In other cases, a small tube (catheter) with an inflatable balloon on the end is inserted into the cervix. Filling the balloon with saline and resting it against the inside of the cervix helps ripen the cervix.
Sweeping of the membranes. With this technique, also known as stripping the membranes, the health care provider sweeps a gloved finger over the covering of the amniotic sac near the fetus. This separates the sac from the cervix and the lower uterine wall, which might help start labor.
Rupture the amniotic sac. The health care provider makes a small opening in the amniotic sac. The hole causes the water to break, which might help labor go forward.An amniotomy is done only if the cervix is partially dilated and thinned, and the baby's head is deep in the pelvis. The baby's heart rate is monitored before and after the procedure.

IV Pitocin. In the hospital, a health care provider might inject a version of oxytocin (Pitocin) — a hormone that causes the uterus to contract — into a vein. Oxytocin is more effective at speeding up labor that has already begun than it is as at cervical ripening. The provider monitors contractions and the baby's heart rate.

Alternative Inductions

It is important to note that although the following are not medical, they still have the potential to induce labor before it may be ready. It is always important to ensure there is a clear WHY when using any of these options.

Is it necessary for any real reason to begin labor ahead of the body's rhythm?

Is it simply because you want labor to start faster?

Why do you want to speed up your labor?

Is there anywhere you can soften into more trust and surrender?