
Written by Editorial Team
Labor is described as a process by which a fetus is delivered along with the placenta and afterbirths. Most aspects of labor and delivery are within nature’s control, but sometimes nature needs a little push. When doctors determine that it is in everyone’s best interest to speed up labor and delivery, they may consider inducing labor. The medical practice of induced labor is typically recommended for a variety of reasons, most commonly when there are potential health risks to either the mother or the baby.
Rather than relying on the natural onset of labor, medical professionals may employ pharmacological agents or medical interventions to induce labor. Induction may be a viable option for certain women, however, it is important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with the procedure. However, it is not always effective. If the current induction method does not result in successful delivery, an alternative induction or a cesarean section may be necessary. According to most experts, it is advisable to allow labor to commence spontaneously and advance organically, unless there exists a distinct medical justification.
In This Article
Birthing a baby would imply that you need to go into labor, but if the contractions do not happen naturally after 42 weeks of pregnancy, or your doctor thinks that the baby needs to be born earlier because of any risks to you or the mother, you will be induced into labor. It essentially means using certain ‘artificial’ methods such as medicines) to start contractions and bring you into labor. Induced labor is always planned, so you always have the option of discussing the pros and cons with your doctor.
A wait-and-watch approach should be adopted up to two weeks post your due date. It is the law of nature to prepare the cervix on its own for the start of labor pains and easy passage of the fetus. However, if your doctor thinks that the life and safety of either the mother or the fetus are under question, you can be induced into labor.
The process of natural onset of labor involves the following:
Induction of labor is recommended when the onset of natural labor is delayed or when there is a threat to the survival of the baby or the mother. Some common conditions requiring labor induction are:
Here are some easy-to-do inducing methods that are quite popular, though they lack scientific backing. Though they appear to be safe still consult your doctor before attempting any of these:
Here are some common and extensively used methods of inducing labor and cervical ripening in expectant mothers:
The risks associated with labor induction are enlisted as under:
Depending on how dilated and soft your cervix is, your doctor will discuss the option of inducing labor. He will walk you through the processes that he deems fit for you. Though you can decline not going into induced labor, it is the safety of the baby and you that will be taken into priority.
Induced contractions are intense and stronger than normal contractions, so you should discuss pain relief methods with your doctor. Though it could be psychologically testing for you and your partner to wait for labor, always keep in mind that a healthy you and a healthy baby is all that matters.
The process of inducing labor can vary in duration, ranging from several hours to up to 2-3 days. The efficacy of the treatment is contingent upon the individual response of your body. If this is your first pregnancy or you are at the gestational age of less than 37 weeks, it is probable that the duration of the process may be prolonged.
According to research, the induction of labor one or two weeks prior to the due date decreases the likelihood of requiring a cesarean delivery. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the well-being of both the mother and the infant. In the event that induction of labor has been recommended for a particular reason, but the patient declines, they may elect to await the onset of spontaneous labor or opt for cesarean delivery. It is recommended that you consult with your health care provider at the earliest opportunity to learn about the available options.
This is not always the case. The drugs used for kicking off labor, namely oxytocin or prostaglandin, may result in atypical or heightened uterine contractions, leading to compromised fetal oxygenation and decreased fetal heart rate.
The duration of inductions can vary significantly, ranging from a few hours to several days. Therefore, undergoing induction does not necessarily indicate that an individual is on a fast track. The fundamental difference between labor that occurs spontaneously and that which is induced is the degree of intensity of the contractions. It is commonly observed that induced labor is more painful than natural labor, although it is not necessarily faster.
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