Inducing labor

Inducing labor is the artificial initiation of the birth process through medical interventions or other methods. An induction not performed for medical or emergency reasons is considered optional. Labor induction has recently been increased for convenience or due to busy schedules.

What are the medical reasons for labor induction?

Labor is likely to be induced:

If you develop complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, heart disease, gestational diabetes, or bleeding during pregnancy.
If the baby may not be getting enough nutrients and oxygen from the placenta.
The amniotic sac ruptured, but labor did not start within 24-48 hours.
Pregnancy is extended past 42 weeks, with the possible risk to the baby of a progressive decrease in the supply of nutrients to the placenta.
There is an infection inside the uterus known as chorioamnionitis.

How is labor induced?

Labor induced by the following methods:

1. Medicines

Prostaglandin: suppositories are inserted into the vagina in the evening, causing the uterus to start labor in the morning. One advantage of this method is that the mother is free to move around the delivery room.
Oxytocin: The body naturally produces the hormone oxytocin to stimulate contractions. Pitocin and synthocinone are brand names for drugs that are forms of oxytocin. They can be administered intravenously in low doses to stimulate contractions.

What are the benefits of taking oxytocin?

Oxytocin can induce labor that might not start on its own and can speed up the pace of labor.

What worries you when taking oxytocin?

Labor may progress too quickly, making contractions difficult to manage without pain medication. Oxytocin may be discontinued if the contractions become too strong and close together.

2. Artificial rupture of membranes

When the water sac (amniotic sac) ruptures or ruptures, the production of prostaglandins increases, which speeds up contractions. Some doctors may suggest artificially tearing the amniotic sac.

A thin, sterile plastic hook touches the membranes inside the cervix, which lowers the baby's head to the cervix, which usually causes contractions to increase. This procedure releases a stream of warm amniotic fluid from the vagina.

What are the benefits of artificial rupture of membranes?

Labor may be shortened by an hour.
The procedure allows the amniotic fluid to be examined for the presence of meconium, which may be a sign of fetal distress.
The heart rate can be monitored with direct access to the baby’s scalp.

What are the disadvantages of artificial rupture of membranes?

The baby may be placed in a breech position, making delivery difficult if the membranes are torn before the baby's head is involved.
It is possible that the umbilical cord will slip out first (prolapse of the umbilical cord).
Infection can occur if too much time has passed between rupture and birth.

3. Natural

Nipple stimulation is a natural form of labor induction that can be performed manually or with an electric breast pump. The hormone oxytocin is naturally produced to induce contractions. The principle is the same as when breastfeeding a baby immediately after birth, stimulating contractions, which slows down bleeding.

What expectations should I have for induced labor?

You can still do breathing exercises and push at your own pace if you prefer to avoid painkillers during labor.
You can also request an epidural or other form of pain relief if needed.

The following questions may be helpful if you do not understand or feel uncomfortable about the proposed interventions: