Logan Reid
Inducing labour is when a pregnancy care provider starts labour instead of letting it begin naturally. Healthcare providers may recommend inducing labour to protect the health of the mother and/or fetus, or if labour has stalled or isn't progressing. Before inducing labour, a doctor will examine the cervix to see how ripe it is, and decide on the best course of action. There are several methods to induce labour, including medication, rupturing the amniotic sac, and using a cervical ripening balloon. While there are also natural methods to induce labour, some of these are not safe. It's important to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits of inducing labour and to schedule an induction date if it is recommended.
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals may offer induction at 39 weeks
If you are considering requesting an induction at 39 weeks, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Your doctor will assess whether induction is suitable for you based on your unique situation and help you weigh the pros and cons. Some factors that may be considered include the health of the mother and fetus, the softness of the cervix, and the distance of the hospital from your home.
If you and your doctor decide to proceed with an induction at 39 weeks, your doctor will coordinate your care with the hospital staff. On the scheduled induction day, you will be admitted to the birth center, and your care team will review the methods they think are best. Induction medications can include Pitocin and oxytocin, which can cause contractions and active labor.
It is important to note that induced labor can be more painful than natural labor due to the medical methods used. Additionally, a failed induction may occur if labor does not progress within 24 hours or more, which may result in a Cesarean birth.
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Discuss with your doctor if induction is reasonable
If you are considering induction, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether induction is a reasonable option for you and explain the process.
Your doctor will assess your individual situation and advise you on the best course of action. They will consider factors such as your health, the health of the fetus, and the progress of your labor. For example, if you are past your due date, your doctor may recommend induction to protect your health and that of the fetus. This is because, after 41 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta may not work as effectively, potentially depriving the fetus of oxygen and nutrients. Similarly, if you have a health condition such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia, induction may be recommended to reduce the risk of complications.
Induction may also be considered if you live far from the hospital and had a fast labor with a previous birth, as it could ensure that you make it to the hospital in time. Additionally, if you have a history of stillbirth or other complications during childbirth, induction may be recommended to lower the risk of further complications.
The timing of labor induction is important, and your doctor will advise you on this. Ideally, labor induction is not performed before 39 weeks of pregnancy, as babies born before this time have a higher risk of health problems. However, if the health of the mother or fetus is at risk, induction before 39 weeks may be necessary.
Your doctor will also explain the different methods of induction and advise you on the best approach for your situation. This may include the use of medications to soften and open the cervix, rupturing the amniotic sac, or using a cervical ripening balloon. They will also monitor you and the fetus throughout the process to ensure that labor induction is well-tolerated.
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Prepare for your induction as you would natural labour
Preparing for an induced labour shares many similarities with preparing for natural labour. Understanding the process and your options can help you feel more confident and in control.
First, it's important to understand why induction is being recommended. Inducing labour is often suggested when there are health concerns for the mother or fetus, or when labour has stalled or isn't progressing. Your healthcare provider will examine your cervix and assess its softness and openness (effacement and dilation) to determine the best method of induction.
You have the right to decline or delay procedures if you feel they aren't right for you or your baby. It's important to take your time and ask questions at any point. You can use the BRAIN tool to help you consider your options and make decisions.
To prepare for the induction process, you can try to build your own oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that your body naturally produces during labour. While you may be given a synthetic version via a drip, having higher levels of your own oxytocin can be beneficial.
Remember that the timing of labour induction depends on the health of your pregnancy and your cervix's readiness for labour. Ideally, healthcare providers will wait until you're at least 39 weeks pregnant, but the health of the fetus is the priority, so induction may occur earlier if necessary.
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Understand the risks of induction
While induction of labour is generally considered safe, it is important to understand the potential risks involved in the procedure. The risks of induction depend on the method chosen by the healthcare provider, and the condition of the cervix. Ideally, healthcare providers wait until 39 weeks of pregnancy to induce labour, but if the health of the fetus or the mother is at risk, induction may be performed earlier.
One of the most common risks associated with induction is the increased likelihood of a C-section delivery. In some cases, if the induction is unsuccessful or if there are complications, a C-section may be necessary. Additionally, induction can lead to overstimulation of the uterus, causing it to contract too frequently. This can result in problems with the umbilical cord and changes in the fetal heart rate.
Another risk to consider is infection. Induction may increase the risk of infection in both the mother and the fetus. Furthermore, some induction methods may not be effective for everyone. For example, stripping the membranes, a method used to release prostaglandins and soften the cervix, may not always result in the initiation of labour.
It is worth noting that healthcare providers carefully weigh the benefits against the risks before recommending induction. Induction can help lower the risk of complications from certain medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or a history of stillbirth. In most cases, the benefits of induction are considered to outweigh the potential risks.
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Know the process of inducing labour
Inducing labour is a process that can be recommended by a healthcare provider for various reasons, including medical conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia, or if you are past your due date. Before inducing labour, your healthcare provider will examine your cervix to assess its readiness for labour. This is known as a Bishop score and helps determine if induction is necessary and the best methods to use.
If your cervix is hard and closed, the first step in inducing labour is to ripen it. This can be done through medication or mechanically. Medication such as prostaglandins can be used to soften, thin, and open the cervix, preparing it for childbirth. Alternatively, a small balloon catheter can be inserted through the cervix for mechanical ripening.
Once your cervix is ready, your healthcare provider may rupture the amniotic sac, also known as breaking your water. This can be done through a procedure called amniotomy, where a small hole is made in the sac with a special tool. After this procedure, most women go into labour within hours.
To further induce and progress labour, medications like Pitocin, a synthetic version of the oxytocin hormone, can be administered through an IV. With the use of induce-labour medicine, active labour can start quickly, but it may vary depending on the individual's response to the medication. It is important to note that labour induction carries risks, and your doctor will carefully consider the benefits and risks before recommending this procedure.
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Frequently asked questions
Your doctor will assess whether an elected labour induction is suitable for you based on your unique situation. They will explain the benefits and risks of induction and why you need it. Induction is recommended if you have a history of stillbirth or childbirth complications, or health conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or preeclampsia. It is also recommended if you are past your due date, or live far away from the hospital and had fast labour previously.
Inductions are typically not done before the 39th week of pregnancy. Inductions at 39 weeks can reduce the risk of certain health problems and the risk of cesarean birth. Inductions usually happen 1-2 weeks after the due date.
Speak to your doctor about your concerns and they will advise you on the best course of action. If induction is recommended, your doctor will coordinate with hospital staff to provide care.
Your doctor will check your cervix to see how "ripe" it is and decide on the best method of induction. They may use medication to soften, thin and open the cervix, or use a cervical ripening balloon. They may also rupture the amniotic sac.
Prepare as you would for natural labour by packing your hospital bag with items like your ID, phone charger, and health insurance information. You may need to go to the hospital the night before, so pack an extra set of clothes. Make a plan with your support person on how you'll get to the hospital.
