Inducing labor, or labor induction, is the process of prompting contractions in the uterus during pregnancy before giving birth actually begins naturally during vaginal birth. Experts might recommend labor induction in various cases, most often because there’s a concern for the baby’s or mother’s health. There are several factors in predicting and determining whether labor induction is needed or whether it will succeed. These factors include the state of the cervical ripening (how expanded and soft the cervix is) and the gestational age of the baby, which will usually be confirmed by regular ultrasounds. 

In this article, our experts in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in South Miami, Florida, will answer the questions related to labor induction, post-term pregnancy, and other subjects pertaining to inducing labor. 

Labor Induction: Why Experts Do It? 

For the most part, providers will recommend labor induction when the benefits will outweigh the potential risks. On that note, understanding the reasons why doctors may opt for inducing labor is essential for properly preparing for pregnancy and delivery.

Before determining whether inducing labor is necessary, doctors will evaluate several pregnancy-related factors. These will include the status of the cervix and the mother’s health. Naturally, they will also include the baby’s health, gestational age, size, weight, and uterine positions. 

That said, the most common reasons for labor induction are the following: 

The reasons for labor induction include:

  1. Uterine infection (chorioamnionitis).
  2. Post-term pregnancy, going one or two weeks beyond the due date, with labor not starting naturally.
  3. Pre-labor rupture of membranes when labor doesn’t initiate after the mother’s water breaks.
  4. Oligohydramnios is a condition where there is an insufficient amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.
  5. Gestational diabetes, which occurs when diabetes develops before or during pregnancy.
  6. Fetal growth restriction is when the estimated weight of the baby is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
  7. Placental abruption, where the placenta separates partially or completely from the uterine inner wall before delivery.
  8. Certain medical conditions like kidney, lung, or heart disease, as well as obesity.
  9. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage in the mother.
  10. Chronic high blood pressure means having hypertension before pregnancy or developing it before the 20th week of pregnancy.
  11. Gestational hypertension occurs when high blood pressure arises after the 20th week of pregnancy.

There’s also the option of elective labor induction. This happens when the process is initiated for non-medical reasons, typically for convenience. It can benefit women who don’t live close to birthing centers or hospitals 

or those with a history of quick deliveries.

Scheduled inductions, on the other hand, can prevent unassisted deliveries. Healthcare providers carefully assess the baby’s gestational age, ensuring it is at least 39 weeks before labor induction to minimize the risk of health complications.

Recent research findings have led healthcare providers to offer labor induction to women with low-risk pregnancies between 39 to 40 weeks. This approach has shown promising results in reducing various risks, such as stillbirth, delivering a large baby, and developing high blood pressure throughout the pregnancy. It is of utmost importance to engage in informed decision-making through collaborative discussions between women and their healthcare providers when considering the option of labor induction at 39 to 40 weeks.

Pregnant Woman Doing Ultrasound Scan in the Prenatal Clinic, Mother Worried About Health of Her Future Baby, Happy Pregnancy Time

Risks of Inducing Labor

Inducing labor, unfortunately, carries several risks, including the following:

  • Infection: Some methods used in labor induction might increase infection risks for both the baby and the mother. For instance, the chances are larger if doctors choose to rupture the membrane. And the longer the time between labor and membrane rupture, the higher the chances of infections.
  • Failed induction: There are cases when the method used for labor induction won’t induce vaginal delivery after 24 hours. In these cases, providers will usually resort to performing a C-section.
  • Low fetal heart rate: The compounds that providers use for inducing labor (prostaglandin or oxytocin) might lead to overly strong uterine contractions, which may lessen the baby’s oxygen supply and lower their heart rate.
  • Bleeding after delivery: Labor induction raises the likelihood of inadequate uterine muscle contractions after childbirth, which can result in significant post-delivery bleeding.
  • The rupture of the uterus: While not common, uterine rupture is a severe complication that involves the tearing of the uterus along the scar line from a prior C-section or major uterine surgery. In rare situations, it can also occur in women without a history of uterine surgery. To prevent life-threatening consequences, an emergency C-section is imperative, and in severe cases, removal of the uterus may be necessary.

Also, not everyone may be a candidate for labor induction. In the following cases, it might not be an option:  

  • If the baby is in breech position or sideways
  • When the placenta blocks the cervix
  • If the mother has an active infection of genital herpes
  • If the mother previously had a C-section with a classical incision or underwent major uterine surgery. 
  • In cases of umbilical cord prolapse – the umbilical cord slips into the vagina before delivery starts.

Preparation for Labor Induction

Typically, the process will be done in a birthing center or in a hospital. Both the baby and the mother can be monitored in these facilities, and delivery and labor services are readily available. 

During Labor Induction

A Woman in Labor, Giving Birth in the Hospital.

There are several methods to induce labor. Depending on the given situation, doctors may use one of the following methods to start labor or even a combination of them. More precisely, the methods are the following: 

  • Sweeping the amniotic sac membranes: This method is also referred to as stripping the membranes. The doctor uses a gloved finger and seeps it over the amniotic sac’s covering near the fetus. This will separate the cervix, the lower uterine wall, and the cervix, which can help start labor. 
  • Ripen the cervix: Doctors sometimes use different compounds the body produces naturally and place them inside the vagina (or the mother takes them orally) to soften the cervix. After their use (usually, providers use prostaglandin), doctors will start to monitor the contractions and the baby’s heart rate. There’s another method where providers place a small catheter with an inflatable balloon at the end. They insert the catheter into the vagina and soften it against the cervix. 
  • Administering medication into the mother’s vein: During a hospital birth, a healthcare provider might administer oxytocin (Pitocin) through a vein. Oxytocin is a hormone that is used to stimulate uterine contractions and is especially effective at speeding up labor that has already started rather than assisting with cervical ripening. Throughout the procedure, the provider closely monitors both the contractions and the baby’s heart rate to ensure a safe delivery process.
  • Rupturing the amniotic sac: Also referred to as amniotomy, doctors make a small incision in the sac, and the hole causes water breakage, which might help with commencing labor. This is only performed in cases when the cervix is already thinned and partially dilated, and the baby’s head is the pelvis. 

In most cases, inducing labor will lead to vaginal birth. If the process fails, providers might opt for another induction attempt or perform a C-section. 

Learn More

If you wish to hear more about labor induction and the cases in which it’s performed, contact our friendly and compassionate experts today.