Inducing labor - How it works, what you should expect and its importance for a safe natural delivery 

As your delivery date nears and you prepare for the birth of your baby, it is important to clearly understand different procedures related to labor. One such important procedure is inducing labor as it is highly prevalent these days. Let us help you understand all about it and why it is important.

Why is labor induction important?

In a normal pregnancy, the body naturally releases a hormone called oxytocin to trigger labor. This is followed by contractions and subsequent stages of labor and finally delivery. While it is the body’s natural way of starting the labor process, many women have to be induced due to a variety of reasons listed below:

• Growth issues in the baby

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• If the mother is more than 2 weeks past the due date

• Insufficient amniotic fluid around the baby

• Medical conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, uterine infections etc.

• Placenta getting separated from the uterus

• Preeclampsia

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• Contractions have not started even after the water breaks

All the above reasons could have a potentially harmful impact on you and the baby, and it becomes important to induce labor to avoid any complications. Also, if the baby has growth issues or is exhibiting signs of distress, induction is preferred so that the baby can be delivered quickly and safely.

How does it work?

Your doctor will determine the best way to induce labor depending on your and the baby’s condition. Most women are given medication through an IV for inducing labor but in many cases a medical device called balloon is also used. Membrane stripping and breaking the water manually are two other common methods. The doctor will examine your cervix to determine how much open the cervix is and then proceed with the best suited way of inducing you. Generally, labor is triggered few hours after induction but may take longer in some cases. The doctor will monitor you after induction to see how the labor is going on and the baby’s heartbeats will also be monitored continuously.

Labor induction can cause side effects and you must not insist for it or take it lightly. Follow your doctor’s advice on whether inducing is appropriate for you and understand the risks and side effects beforehand from the doctor.

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