Inducing Labor: What you Need to Know

Okay, mamas. Your due date has come and gone, and labor is nowhere in sight, despite the fact that you’ve tried everything! The truth is, sometimes inducing labor is necessary.

There are various medical reasons to induce labor, and your provider will look at many things such as your health, the health of your little one, the positioning of the baby, and what’s going on with your cervix. Reasons to induce are many and can include being two weeks overdue without the start of natural labor, low amniotic fluid, problems with the placenta, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Generally, elective induction isn’t recommended, since it carries risks that are better off avoided. However, when necessary induction can be a lifesaver.

So what can you expect if your doctor wants to get labor going? Don’t worry, mamas – inducing labor doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll go into labor right then and there. It can take several hours (or even several days), depending on your body, whether this is your first pregnancy, or how far along you are. Generally, it’s best to wait until you’re at least 39 weeks pregnant to induce labor and even then, only when medically necessary.

Here are some various ways for inducing labor. Pitocin is a big one, and that’s in a blog all by itself!

Stripping Membranes

This method of labor induction can be done in your doctor’s office, and is also called “sweeping” the membranes. It doesn’t necessarily induce labor, but it can speed up the beginning of labor, especially if you’re dilated. To strip your membranes, your doctor or midwife will insert a gloved finger into your cervix, and gently separate the amniotic sac from your uterus. They won’t break your water, but simply detach the sac from your uterine wall. This can cause spotting or some cramping.

Cervical Ripening

Prostaglandins are hormones that can help soften and dilate the cervix, and sometimes, to induce labor, artificial prostaglandins are used. These prostaglandins can be given as a medication by mouth or suppository. Your doctor or midwife might also use dilators to help dilate your cervix. Laminaria are tiny sticks of seaweed that, when placed in the cervix, absorb fluid and swell, opening the cervix. Cramping is often a side effect of the laminaria, which are later removed.

Another method that might be used is the insertion of a catheter tipped with a small balloon. It’s inserted into the cervix, and saline is pushed through the catheter, filling the balloon, widening the cervix.

Rupturing the Membranes

To rupture your membranes, or “break” your water, your doctor or midwife will insert a small hook into your cervix to break the amniotic sac. It’s usually not painful, but you might feel the fluid, if there’s a gush. This is done in the hospital or birth center, since your baby’s heart rate will be monitored with this procedure.

There are risks to inducing labor, and your doctor or midwife will go over these with you. They can vary according to your situation, but can include infection, bleeding problems after delivery, low heart rate (for baby), and problems with the umbilical cord. Talk with your provider about their preferred method of induction, and what the risks and benefits are and decide on the best and safest option for your unique situation. The more you know, the more confident you’ll be, and before you know it you’ll be holding your sweet baby in your arms!

Tags: childbirth, inducing labor, labor induction, Pitocin, pregnancy