About Labor Induction

Pregnant women are experiencing higher rates of labor induction than ever. According to the American Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, over 20% of mothers-to-be are induced before the natural onset of labor. While there are legitimate medical reasons for a baby to be born early, great care should be taken when making this crucial decision.

Function

Induction of labor is used for the purpose of causing delivery of a baby when conditions have become too dangerous to either the mother or baby, or both, to continue the pregnancy. Some of the reasons induction may become prudent are pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure which starts during the pregnancy), conditions which are causing the baby's health to deteriorate such as IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation) or a uterine infection.

Types

There are several ways to artificially induce labor. Non-chemical options include stripping of the membranes: this is done when a care provider uses his fingers to separate the amniotic sac from the cervical opening. Doing so may stimulate production of prostaglandins, which can jumpstart the body into labor. Less frequently a foley catheter balloon may be inflated inside the cervix to cause it to dilate.
Artificial prostaglandins are sometimes inserted against the cervix to soften it and ripen it for labor. Prostaglandins alone occasionally start labor, but are more often used in combination with Pitocin, an artificial version of the chemical oxytocin which is produced by a woman's body and is the cause of uterine contractions.

Warning

Induction of labor can cause dangerous side-effects in the mother and baby. Pitocin can cause fetal distress as well as hyperstimulation of the uterus (very rarely resulting in uterine rupture, especially in mothers with previous uterine surgery such as a cesarean). Induction can also cause either elevation or depression of the mother's blood pressure. Breaking the amniotic sac, which is common during induction of labor, raises the chances of infection in both mother and baby.

Effects

Induction of labor results in a higher rate of infants admitted to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for breathing problems and other complications associated with prematurity. Induction can also cause a longer, more difficult labor for the mother and requires a higher level of monitoring and intervention into the birth.

Expert Insight

According to renowned pediatrician and birth expert Dr. William Sears, while labor induction is appropriate in cases where there is a medically-sound reason to deliver the baby, there are risks and labor should not be induced because of schedule conflicts or for convenience.

Resources

• Ask Dr. Sears
• Childbirth Connection