What woman, especially a pregnant one, has never heard about induction of labor? Often it is mentioned as something terrifying or as mistreatment at a time that should be the most magical of her life. So, we are here to reassure expectant mothers and explain that it’s not always that way. Induction is a way to start labor for several reasons. It can even save your baby’s life.
Induction of labor is an option doctors use to speed up labor, making it start sooner. It’s a safe method, but it should only be used when really necessary, such as in a pregnancy that has gone past 40 weeks or when there’s a risk to the mother or baby. This method is used to encourage the mother to deliver her baby through normal childbirth, aiming for quality labor, the baby’s health, and faster recovery for the woman1.
Inducing labor is also considered before deciding on a cesarean section. If the baby can be born naturally, doctors generally prefer this option. Of course, not all doctors think this way. Some, attracted by the ease and speed, may choose to go straight for a cesarean to finish the process. Factors such as the condition of the cervix should be evaluated before induction. If the cervix is already “ripe”, sometimes just breaking the amniotic sac can start labor.
If this method of induction does not work, the second option is intravenous administration of oxytocin2. The usual effect of this synthetic hormone is to increase contractions and speed up dilation. However, it doesn’t work in every case and, even after the medication is given, labor may not progress. Throughout the induction process, the progress of labor is monitored, along with the baby’s heart rate. If anything is wrong, the doctor may choose to perform a cesarean section.
What Is an Induced Labor Like? And What If Induction Doesn’t Work?
If the induction doesn’t work, labor will proceed just as it would if it hadn’t been induced, but the process will be more intense. What normally would happen naturally—breaking of the water, dilation, contractions—will now occur more intensely and more rapidly so that birth happens as quickly as possible.
Focus on your breathing, find the most comfortable position to endure the contractions, and try to push only when asked to do so. If possible, an epidural can be administered to lessen the pain. Inducing labor won’t change your baby’s birth, except for possibly increasing the intensity from the moment it begins. If the induction doesn’t work and your body does not respond as the doctors expect, both the mother’s and baby’s health will be checked. If necessary, a cesarean section will be performed to ensure the baby’s birth happens calmly and safely for both of you3.
An extremely important factor is to inform your obstetrician if you’ve had a previous cesarean section. Inducing labor is not recommended in cases of a previous cesarean or uterine surgery, as giving oxytocin can overstimulate the uterus and cause rupture. It can also decrease the baby’s oxygen, causing fetal distress.
See also: Ruptured Membranes – What It Is and How to Identify
Photo: Marcos
