What Does “Induced Labour” mean? ♥️ From a Homesteading Doula 🌻🌼
Inducing labor is a process that can take hours or sometimes days.
Benefits: Why Are Medical Inductions Used?
Induction is used to gently start labor.
Some reasons for inducing labor include:
Gestational or type 1 diabetes
High blood pressure
Previous medical conditions such as kidney disease, obesity, or heart disease
Infection in the uterus
Labor that doesn't start after the water breaks
Labor that does not start one or two weeks after the baby's due date
Problems with the baby, such as growth restriction
Placenta problems
Risks of Induction
Failed Induction: If labor fails to progress after 24 hours, or if there are signs of distress in the mother or baby, a C-section may be necessary.
Low Heart Rate in Babies: The medications used to start contractions may cause a low heart rate in babies.
Risk of Infection: Some forms of induction, such as breaking the waters, may increase the risk of infection for both the mother and the baby.
Strong Contractions: The medications used can sometimes cause very strong contractions, increasing the risk of uterine rupture. This can lead to an emergency C-section to prevent life-threatening complications, with the hope that the uterus can be saved.
Postpartum Bleeding: Induction increases the risk of bleeding after birth, as the uterine muscles may not contract properly, leading to serious bleeding.
Alternatives to Medical Induction
Consider natural ways to encourage labor, but always check with your healthcare provider before trying any natural methods. Some suggestions include:
Long walks
Castor oil
Sex
Membrane stripping by a doctor during an appointment
Intuition
Take time to weigh the pros and cons. Decide what is right for your body and your baby. It is your body, and you have the right to decide what happens. Feel confident in the decision you make.
Negotiation and What Happens if We Do Nothing?
Eventually, your body will go into labor. No one has stayed pregnant forever. There are risks associated with both induction and waiting for natural labor. Ask questions, do your research, and be informed.
How Are Inductions Done?
Each induction is slightly different depending on the healthcare provider and the patient's situation. The cervix needs to be ripe and soft for any natural birth, which is usually the starting point. Prostaglandins, which come as a suppository, are inserted vaginally. This alone can trigger labor, but it may need to be replaced in 12 hours. If you live close to the hospital, you may be able to go home and relax, returning when labor starts to progress. Once the cervix is soft, an IV drip of Pitocin (a chemical form of oxytocin) is started to stimulate contractions and speed up labor. Once Pitocin is administered, you will need to stay in the hospital for regular monitoring of the baby's heart rate.