Labor Induction

Labor induction is a method in which a doctor or midwife uses methods to assist in childbirth. In most cases, it is best to let the birth process happen independently, but there are exceptions. The doctor may decide to use induction methods for a pregnant mother for medical reasons or if two weeks or more have passed since the due date.

What is induced labor?

Childbirth normally begins between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. The cervix softens and begins to open, the mother contracts, and the amniotic sac ruptures. In a Labor induction, labor processes begin artificially. This may involve a mechanical cervix opening or other methods, such as breaking the water (amniotic sac) to start labor or using medication to start contractions.

Cause of labor induction

There are many reasons why a doctor may decide to induce labor, including:

Overdue: If there are no signs of labor in the mother, the doctor may induce labor around 41 weeks.
Complication: Sometimes, conditions such as preeclampsia, diabetes, gestational diabetes, placental problems, or amniotic fluid problems make it dangerous to continue the pregnancy. In this case, the obstetrician decides to induce labor.
Membranes ruptured: If the amniotic sac breaks and the contractions do not start within 24 hours, the doctor may decide to induce labor.
Baby isn’t thriving: If tests show that the baby is old enough to give birth, the doctor may choose induction.
Live far from the hospital: If the mother lives away from the hospital or has had a short delivery before, the doctor may suggest an induced delivery because she may not be able to get to the hospital or delivery center. This program is known as an elective induction.

What are the risks of inducing labor?

The induction of labor carries several risks.

Failed induction

About 75% of mothers stimulated for the first time have a successful vaginal delivery. This means that about 25 percent of these women, who often start with an unopened cervix, may need a cesarean section. The healthcare provider will talk to the mother about what might be needed in Section C.

Infection

Some inducing labor methods, such as rupture of the mother’s membrane, may increase the risk of infection for both mother and baby. Prolonged rupture of the membrane also increases the risk of infection.

Uterine rupture

This is a rare but serious complication in which a uterine rupture is opened through previous or major uterine surgery along the scar line. Rarely, uterine rupture can also occur in women who have never had uterine surgery before. Emergency cesarean section is used to prevent life-threatening complications.

Bleeding after delivery

Induction of labor increases the risk of postpartum uterine muscles not contracting properly, leading to severe postpartum hemorrhage.

Due dates may not be exactly right

Sometimes, it is difficult for a mother to determine exactly when she is pregnant. Because of this, a timing error may have occurred.

Oxytocin and medicines

These drugs can cause labor contractions to get too close together, reducing the baby’s heart rate. The midwife carefully monitors the baby’s heartbeat during delivery. If the child’s heart rate changes, the provider may stop or reduce the medication.

In general, medications and techniques used to induce labor can cause side effects in both mother and baby. Pitocin and other drugs that ripen the cervix can aggravate contractions, causing them to move faster and closer together. More severe contractions may be more painful for the mother.

A ruptured amniotic sac may cause the umbilical cord to come out of the vagina before the baby. This condition is called prolapse. Pressure on the umbilical cord can reduce the baby’s oxygen and nutrients. After the amniotic sac ruptures, labor should begin about 6 to 12 hours later. Not giving birth during this time increases the risk of infection for both mother and baby.

How to induce labor

If induction of labor is to be performed eventually, there are several ways to do so. The safest and most effective way is to see a doctor. Medications or medical techniques can cause labor to occur earlier. Another option is for the mother to decide to give birth independently. The mother should talk to her doctor or midwife before trying any method. Make sure the method she or he uses is safe and that pregnancy is induced at the optimal time.

Medicine

Two types of drugs cause labor. Drugs called prostaglandins soften or mature the cervix to prepare it for labor. These drugs can be taken orally or as a vaginal suppository. Another type of medication is Pitocin. They are received through IV.

Labor induction methods

If the cervix is slightly open or in good condition, the doctor can use his finger to move the membrane of the amniotic sac slightly to create a small slit, and the amniotic fluid comes out, and the uterus is stimulated to give birth. The mother may feel tight and cramped or bleeding after doing this. If this does not start labor pains, the doctor will repeat this operation for the second or third time.

Amniotomy is the deliberate and artificial rupture of a membrane or amniotic sac that causes fluid to flow around the fetus. It is usually done with other induction methods, such as synthetic oxytocin. In this procedure, a doctor in the hospital inserts a surgical hook or a gloved finger that has a hook on it to drain the amniotic fluid and increase the hormone prostaglandin’s secretion. By doing this, labor pain begins, and the rate of uterine contractions increases.

Natural ways to induce labor

As a natural approach, the mother can induce labor without medical intervention. Studies have not confirmed that these methods are effective, so the mother should consult her doctor or midwife before trying them. One of the easiest and safest ways for women to give birth is through walking. The gravity of the movements may help pull the baby down.

If the mother feels satisfied, she can have sex. Semen contains hormones called prostaglandins that cause the uterus muscles to contract. Orgasm also stimulates the uterus. Another way is to use acupuncture. This may act as a membrane stripper.

Exercises

Exercise reduces the risk of cesarean delivery and gestational diabetes. Exercising during pregnancy is good for health and pregnancy, but a pregnant woman must consult a doctor about how much physical activity is appropriate.

Pineapple

Deep in the pineapple kernel is an enzyme called bromelain that breaks down proteins. This property makes it a staple in many meat softeners. The theory that bromelain is used to induce labor is that it may break down cervical tissue. The cervix naturally softens and matures to prepare for labor. But there is no scientific evidence to support this theory.

Nipple stimulation

Nipple stimulation can cause the uterus to contract and may cause labor. It stimulates oxytocin production. Oxytocin is a hormone that causes the uterus to contract and milk to come out of the breast. If a mother breastfeeds her baby immediately after giving birth, stimulation helps the uterus return to its original size.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. The exact method of acupuncture is not known. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that it balances the body’s vital energy. It may also stimulate changes in hormones or the nervous system. An acupuncturist should only authorize acupuncture. Acupuncture does not reduce the need for induction but sweeping membranes.

Castor oil

Drinking a little, like just 1-2 ounces of castor oil, stimulates prostaglandins secretion, which can help reach the cervix and start labor. This should be done under the supervision of a midwife or doctor.

Eating dates

Research shows that eating dates in the last weeks of pregnancy increases cervical maturation and cervical dilation, thus reducing the need to use Pitocin during labor.

Red raspberry leaf tea

Midwives often recommend drinking red raspberry leaf tea because the due date is approaching. Tea may strengthen the uterus in preparation for childbirth. Even if it does not work helps hydrate.

Induction vs. labor that isn’t induced

The induction method uses drugs or medical techniques to start labor. But in natural childbirth, this process happens spontaneously. The length of labor that occurs without medical intervention varies. Some women give birth within a few hours of their first contractions. Others have to wait a few days to prepare for labor. When women give birth naturally, uterine muscles first contract. The cervix expands and becomes soft and thin to prepare the baby for delivery. . The cervix expands from 6 cm to 10 cm to fit the baby’s head. At the end of this stage, the baby is born.

What does labor induction feel like?

The feeling of induction of labor depends on how the doctor induces the induction of labor. Membrane stripping is a little uncomfortable. After that, there is a feeling of cramping. When the doctor breaks the amniotic sac, there is a slight tingling sensation, followed by an influx of warm fluids—using medication to induce labor causes faster contractions. It is usually injected epidural.

After the procedure

In most cases, Labor induction leads to successful vaginal delivery. In most cases, if the induction fails, another induction may need to be tried or a cesarean section performed.

If it is successful after induction of vaginal delivery, it will not affect future pregnancies. If induction leads to a cesarean section, the health care provider can help the mother decide whether to have a vaginal delivery with the next pregnancy or to have a cesarean section.

Benefits of waiting

Waiting for the birth is the best decision as long as the mother’s health of the baby is not at risk. The biggest advantage of waiting for natural birth is the reduced risk of complications from labor induction. Giving birth without a valid reason before 39 weeks can have more side effects than benefits. But if the doctor decides to induce labor for medical reasons, it will protect the mother and baby’s health.

Prohibited cases of Labor induction

Labor induction is not safe for everyone. In general, for all those for whom natural childbirth is dangerous, induction of labor is not suitable. Labor induction is harmful to both mother and fetus if any of the following are present:

If tests show that the fetus should be born immediately
If diagnosed, the mother is unable to tolerate uterine contractions
In cases where the fetus is not in a normal position, for example, in a breech or transverse position
If the mother has active genital herpes
If the mother carrying multiple

The bottom line

Induction of labor is a procedure performed by an obstetrician in specific circumstances. Before trying anything that might cause labor, a pregnant mother should consult her obstetrician to rule out possible risks or complications. In most cases, it is best for the mother to allow her child to set a date of birth, even if it means waiting another week or two.

Dr. Arjang Naim, MD, and his team examine the pregnant mother’s condition and use the Labor induction method if necessary.

Additional questions

1. How long does bleeding last after delivery?

Bleeding usually lasts about four to six weeks but can continue for up to 12 weeks after the baby is born.

2. What does oxytocin do?

The two main physical functions of oxytocin are stimulating uterine contractions during labor and stimulating breast tissue contractions to aid lactation after delivery.

3. What does a Pitocin do?

Pitocin is a synthetic oxytocin, and doctors use this medication to induce labor. Pitocin helps mimic natural labor and delivery by contracting the uterus.

4. What are the four stages of labor?