Many women do not experience natural labor, so it is normal for them to be induced. However, if this is your first time, it is okay to get curious about the labor induction process. You will hear several myths about the procedure, but know that medics will not induce you unless under exceptional circumstances. The process is safe and legal.
Situations that force doctors to induce labor
- You have not yet given birth two weeks after your date of delivery.
- When medics feel that your baby is not growing properly, or your life is at risk. Conditions like high blood pressure and preeclampsia are life-threatening; hence you might go on labor earlier than expected.
- After your water breaks, you should start experiencing some contractions. If that does not happen, you will be induced.
- You are diagnosed with chorioamnionitis. This is a bacterial infection that infects the membranes which surround the fetus.
- You have a problem with either the placenta, amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or the uterus.
- Gestational diabetes
The process of inducing labor
Stage 1- Softening/ripening the cervix
Your doctor will either give you a tablet or insert a gel-like substance in your vagina. The gel contains prostaglandin hormone, which will prepare the cervix for birth. Once your cervix dilates, the baby can slide into the vagina
Stage 2- Stimulating contractions
You will also receive an intravenous drip of oxytocin hormone, which causes the contractions. The medics will monitor you throughout the two phases.
Stage 3- Amniotomy
Alternatively, your gynecologist can decide to stimulate the contractions manually (amniotomy). Therefore, he will put a long but thin hook inside the vagina and break the waters. You may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.
Stage 4- Membrane Sweeping
If the cervix is open, but you still don’t get contractions, the doctor will gently swipe a finger and separate the membranes connecting the amniotic sac. Then the uterus will release prostaglandin, and labor will begin. You may feel a little pain.
Situations in which inducing labor is not possible
- Before you’re induced, the doctor will check whether the baby’s head is facing down. If the fetus is lying across or the buttocks are where the head should be, you may not be able to give birth naturally.
- You have had multiple C-sections.
- You have placenta previa, which describes a situation where the placenta grows at the bottom of the uterus and totally covers the cervix
- You are currently suffering from sexually transmitted infections like genital herpes.
- Umbilical cord prolapse which is when the umbilical cord drops through the open cervix into the vagina ahead of the baby. This is risky
Risks of inducing labor
- Although most women have a successful birth after induction, some don’t. Hence, they still go for surgery.
- Oxytocin and prostaglandin can cause abnormal labor, which poses a risk to the baby’s life.
- You and the baby might get infections from membrane sweeping and amniotomy.
- You are bleeding unusually after giving birth.
Conclusion
You will hear many myths about inducing labor at home. However, you must discuss your doctor’s procedure to avoid endangering your life and baby. Please allow professionals to deal with such a sensitive issue.
