Labor Induction
Induction involves using interventions and / or medications to start labor .
Induction Reasons and Risks
Reasons for induction vary widely . Common reasons include health concerns , too much time passing since membranes ruptured , or going past a certain date ( often 41 – 42 weeks ). If induction is done for reasons unrelated to health , such as convenience or personal preference , this is called elective induction .
Medical induction of labor can increase risk compared to spontaneous labor . These risks vary depending on the method ( s ) used and how ready your body is for labor . Risks include failed induction resulting in a cesarean , as well as higher risk of fetal distress , infection and postpartum hemorrhage . When medications are used to induce , you will be admitted to the hospital so that you and your baby can be carefully monitored .
Induction Considerations
There are many things to consider before you agree to have your labor induced :
• Induction can be a very long process . It may take a day or two for labor to begin and another day or two until your baby is born . Resting is hard and exhaustion is common .
• Many induction methods require you to stay in bed and / or you may not be allowed to eat or drink throughout the induction .
• Interventions often lead to additional interventions . You may have many devices ( tubes , monitors ) attached to your body .
• Induction can bring on strong contractions without the gradual build up of early labor , making it difficult to manage .
• Induction may not work to start labor . If labor has not begun after 24 hours , your health care provider may suggest a cesarean . If you and your baby are healthy , it may also be an option to go home and wait for labor to begin or try another induction later .
• Some women are not good candidates for induction . In the case of an active herpes outbreak , baby in a breech or transverse position , or other contraindications , a cesarean may be advised .
Preview
Determining when an induction is necessary is often subjective . A Bishop score , calculated by assessing the baby ’ s station and the dilation and effacement of the cervix , can help evaluate whether induction will work . A higher score means the induction is more likely to start labor , while a lower score has a higher failure and cesarean rate .
21 Labor and Birth