Labor induction- ready, steady and go

An induced labour is one that's started artificially.

It's common for labour to be induced if your baby is overdue or there's any risk to you or your baby's health.

This risk could be if you have a health condition such as high blood pressure, for example, or your baby is not growing.

Induction will usually be planned in advance. You'll be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor and midwife, and find out why they think your labour should be induced.

It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not.

Why you might be induced

if you're overdue

if your waters have broken

if you or your baby have a health problem

Women with low-risk pregnancies may choose labor induction at 39 to 40 weeks. Research shows that inducing labor during this time lowers several risks. Risks include having a stillbirth, having a large baby and getting high blood pressure during pregnancy. It's important that you and your healthcare professional share in the decision to induce labor at 39 to 40 weeks.

if you are over due there are high chances of still born and meconium aspiration in baby.

How labour is induced?

If you're being induced, you'll go into the hospital maternity unit.

There are 2 main ways labour can be induced:

Hormones can be put inside your vagina using a vaginal tablet (pessary) or a gel, or given as tablets that you swallow.

Devices such as balloon catheter (a small balloon, full of water) or an osmotic dilator (a type of sponge) can be used to widen your cervix.

You’ll usually be offered hormones first to see if they work, unless there’s a medical reason you cannot take hormones.

It usually takes many hours for these treatments to start working. You will usually stay in the hospital maternity unit, though you may be able to go home in some cases.( rarely)

Sometimes a hormone drip is needed to speed up the labour. You may also need to have your waters broken artificially.

What induced labour feels like?

For first-time moms, labor induction can take anywhere from a few hours to a day. The duration varies depending on how well your body responds to the induction methods and how "ripe" your cervix is. Generally, it may take longer for first-time moms compared to those who have given birth before. 

It depends also on

• Individual Variation:

  Every woman's body is different, and there's no set timeline for how long induction will take. 

• Cervical Readiness:

  If your cervix is already soft and dilated, induction may be quicker, potentially starting within hours after the water is broken or oxytocin is administered. 

• Foley Catheter and Medications:

  If the cervix needs to be ripened, procedures like using a Foley catheter or prostaglandin medications may be used. These can take time to soften the cervix and prepare it for labor. 

• Oxytocin and Amniotomy:

  Once the cervix is ready, oxytocin (Pitocin) can be used to induce contractions, and rupturing the amniotic sac (amniotomy) may also be done to speed up labor. 

• Active Labor:

  Most women will progress to active labor (when the cervix is dilated to about 6 centimeters) within 24 hours of induction. 

  
  

If you need to be induced it may affect where you can give birth. You may need to stay in hospital for longer and have more examinations.

Induced labour is usually more painful than labour that starts on its own.

Your pain relief options during labour are not restricted by being induced.

You should have access to all the pain relief options usually available, such as an epidural or water birth.

If you are induced you'll be more likely to have an assisted delivery, where forceps or ventouse suction are used to help the baby out.

If induction of labour does not work

Induction is not always successful, and labour may not start.

Your obstetrician and midwife will assess your condition and your baby's wellbeing. You may be offered another method of induction or a caesarean section, or you may be able to wait a few hours and then be assessed again.

Your midwife and doctor will discuss all your options with you.

Advantages of Induced Labor:

Reduced risk of stillbirth:

Inducing labor, particularly after a woman's due date, can lower the risk of stillbirth, especially if the pregnancy is considered high-risk.

Lower risk of other complications:

Induction can help prevent complications associated with prolonged pregnancy, such as a very large baby or high blood pressure in the mother, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Control and planning:

For some women, especially those with logistical needs like childcare or work arrangements, knowing the delivery date can be helpful.

Addressing medical concerns:

If there are medical reasons to avoid a prolonged pregnancy, induction can be a safer option.

Disadvantages of Induced Labor:

Failed induction.

An induction might fail if proper ways to induce don't result in a vaginal delivery after 24 or more hours. Then a C-section might be needed.

Low fetal heart rate.

Medicines used to induce labor might cause too many contractions or contractions that are out of the ordinary. This can lower the baby's oxygen supply and lower or change the baby's heart rate.

Increased risk of Cesarean section:

Induced labor may be less likely to progress naturally, potentially leading to a Cesarean section.

Need for closer monitoring:

Women undergoing induced labor typically require more frequent monitoring of contractions and the baby's heart rate.

Potential for longer labor:

Induced labor can sometimes be longer than natural labor.

Important Considerations:

Individualized approach:

The decision to induce labor should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the mother's and baby's health, gestational age, and potential risks and benefits.

Informed consent:

Women should be fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of induction before making a decision.

Open communication with healthcare providers:

Open communication with doctors and midwives is essential to address any concerns and ensure the best possible outcome For both mother and baby.