If someone invented a risk-free and painless method of giving birth today, women would give everything they have to get it. Labor is extremely painful. Unfortunately, many women don’t get the contractions naturally, so doctors have to induce the process.
Since you need to prepare yourself psychologically for all possible scenarios, you must know the benefits and risks of induced labor.
Benefits of inducing labor
If your gynecologist suggests an induction, you need not be afraid. Most women go through it successfully and deliver normal babies. The procedure is only necessary when the delay will harm the baby and the mother.
In simple terms, the doctor will stimulate your body so that you give birth. In the end, you might prefer the stimulation to the natural in subsequent deliveries.
- The labor induction process reduces the risk of ruining the baby’s health. Considerations involve questions on whether you are past your due date or whether the umbilical cord is choking the baby. You need to give birth as soon as possible for the baby’s sake.
- It is useful when the mother’s health is at risk.
- It increases the chance of your labor starting within the following 48 hours. The pain is intense but short-lived, and that’s one of the benefits of inducing labor that women enjoy most.
- A membrane sweep will not increase the risk of infection to you or your baby. One way to stimulate the birth pains involves inserting a gloved and lubricated finger through the vagina to separate the amniotic sac from the cervix. That’s called a membrane sweep, and it will stimulate the chemicals responsible for opening the cervix for delivery.
5. Using an oxytocin drip ensures that contractions are regular. Do you remember how annoying irregular periods can be? So is unpredictable pain.
Risks of inducing labor
It’s good that you know the disadvantages of induced labor so you know what to ask the doctor during the consultation. However, please know that saving your life and that of the baby should be your priority. You will deal with the risk later when both of you are safe.
- A membrane sweep may cause discomfort and slight bleeding. You may also experience stomach and back pain.
- Your gynecologist might recommend prostaglandin gel induction. The gel is inserted through the vagina to soften your cervix and trigger labor. However, you might experience vaginal soreness, among other side effects later.
- Using a hormone drip requires continuous monitoring of your baby’s heartbeat. Thus, you have to stay in one place until you give birth.
- Both prostaglandins and a hormone drip can cause the uterus to contract too much, leading to more interventions. The pain is intense, and there is a short period between the contractions, unlike in normal labor
Conclusion
Knowing the benefits and risks of induced labor should put you at ease during the process. Plus, doctors know how to counter the dangers, relax. Furthermore, once you have your baby in your arms, your joy will surpass the pain.
