How to Avoid Having Labor Induced

There are many reasons why obstetricians induce labor, but just as many reasons why pregnant women try to avoid an induction. Inducing labor is more likely to lead to complications. And after nine months of pregnancy, many women look forward to the natural process of experiencing labor as it unfolds. Here's how to avoid having labor induced.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pick the right obstetrician. Find one who has a low rate of inductions and who is OK with you going past your due date. Make sure he or she understands how important it is for you to avoid an induction by putting together a birth plan. Explain that you only want an induction if medically necessary.

2. Throughout your pregnancy, eat healthy foods in appropriate quantities, drink plenty of water, exercise as long as you feel comfortable and avoiding alchol, cigarettes and drugs. Follow your OB's recommendations and you are less likely to end up with a complication that requires an induction.

3. Drink extra water during the last few weeks of pregnancy to avoid low amniotic fluid levels, a common reason for an induction. Instead of the recommended 70 oz., drink 90 oz.

4. Try inducing labor naturally if you've gone past your due date or if you are reaching the stage in your gestation when your OB brings up induction. Sexual intercourse, spicy foods, castor oil and foot massage may work.

5. Employ a doula to represent your desires at the hospital. This expert not only cares for you as you go through labor, but she can communicate with the doctors and nurses when labor pains make it difficult for you to express your wishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not try to fight a doctor who says it is medically necessary to induce labor or perform a C-section. While avoiding an induction is a good goal, your health and the health of your baby come first.

[esperd]

on 4/25/2009 oh the warning tip... not always. Doctors can sometimes be more dramatic than need be.

[esperd]

on 4/25/2009 Doulas can be great