Induced Labor: Why Do Doctors Recommend It and How Does It Help During Delivery?

Wondering why and how doctors induce labor? For many mothers, knowing what to expect can ease anxiety during the birthing process.

Inducing labor is a medical procedure used to artificially start the birthing process. Doctors consider induced labor when delivery does not happen naturally or when there are complications threatening the health of the mother or baby. Induced labor uses medicines or mechanical stimulation to stimulate contractions and start labor.

Common Methods of Inducing Labor

1. Rupturing the Membranes/ Breaking the water bag (Amniotomy): Amniotic fluid is the water that surrounds your baby in your womb.Once the cervix is open and the baby's head is visible, creating a hole in the amniotic sac will release the fluid and start the contractions that push the baby out. This will not hurt your baby.

If labor does not begin after a few hours, you may receive a medicine through your veins to help start contractions. This is because the longer it takes for labor to start, the greater is your chance of getting an infection

    2. Prostaglandins: Before the cervix starts to dilate or open, it must first become soft and begin to thin out. In some cases this process may begin before the onset of labor. But if your cervix has not begun to ripen or thin out, your health care provider can use a medicine called prostaglandins.

This medicine is placed in your vagina next to your cervix. It helps soften and ripen the cervix, preparing it for labor. During this, doctors will monitor your baby’s heart rate for a few hours.

   3.Oxytocin (Pitocin): Oxytocin is a medicine administered through veins to either start uterine contractions or make them stronger. Doctor monitors your baby’s heart rate and the strength of your contractions, to make sure contractions are not so strong that they harm your baby.

Oxytocin may not be used if tests show that your unborn baby is not getting enough oxygen or food through the placenta.

Reasons to Induce Labor?

There are several reasons why a healthcare provider might recommend inducing labor:

• Pregnancy related concerns: If a pregnancy goes beyond the due date or the water bag breaks without the onset of labor. Inducing labor may then be required to reduce risks.
• Medical Complications: Conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), or fetal distress (when the baby shows signs of stress) may require labor to be induced.
• Other concerns like:
• If there was a past stillbirth (when the baby did not survive).
• Baby showing signs of stress during monitoring
• Complications with fetal well - being found in an ultrasound

Risks and Considerations

While induction can be a safe and effective procedure, it's important to be aware of potential risks:

• Stronger Contractions: Induced labor can lead to more intense contractions, which may be more painful.
• Can cause: headaches, nausea, vomiting and very occasionally a rash.

Summary:

Induced labor is used to ensure a safe delivery when waiting could pose risks. It may involve methods like breaking the water bag, using prostaglandins, or oxytocin to start or strengthen contractions.

It's essential to discuss the risks and benefits of induction with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

Source:-https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000625.htm