There are several reasons that make inducing labour a necessity.
Labour may need to be induced when:
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You go past your due date; generally induction is suggested between 41 and 42 weeks.
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Your water broke but labour did not start
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You have diabetes; generally induction is offered at, or soon after, 38 weeks.
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You have developed pre-eclampsia
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You have abnormal bleeding
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Your baby has been determined to be in foetal stress
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The placenta is no longer providing adequate oxygen and nutrients to your baby
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You are having multiples and your doctor feels that induction is required.
If you are looking for ways that increase your chances of going into natural labour, then there are several of them that encourage a healthy pregnancy and normal labour. Some of these are:
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Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs throughout your pregnancy
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Always check with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements
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Have regular prenatal check-ups
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Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet
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Get regular exercise
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Immediately consult your doctor if you find any symptom that seems strange.
Remember, medical intervention does not mean that you’ve done anything wrong; many women do everything perfect during their pregnancy and still have to be induced or need some form of medical intervention. Approximately one in three women will require some form of medical intervention to deliver their baby.
Some women may request to be induced for personal reasons as well; a woman may want her partner to be present for the birth of their baby (for e.g. in cases where the partner is away for military duty and would miss the baby’s birth otherwise). Complications during a previous pregnancy can be a reason for induction as well.
Induction can be done in several ways, including:
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Membrane sweep: One of the most common initial methods of inducing labour. During this procedure the doctor or midwife separates the membranes present around your baby from your cervix. It is common to have this procedure repeated a couple of times.
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Prostaglandin: This is an artificial hormone that comes in the form of a gel, or tablet and is inserted into your vagina. This substance helps to ripen your cervix. This may require a few doses before it works. Sometimes a slow release pessary is also used.
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AROM (artificial rupture of membranes): This method involves breaking your waters artificially by using a crochet hook-type device. It used to be a common method for induction, but is now used mostly to help in the speeding up of labour if it is not progressing.
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Syntocinon: Syntocinon or Pitocin is a form of synthetic oxytocin. Generally it is used only when labour has slowed, or has failed to start after a membrane sweep or use of prostaglandin. Syntocinon or Pitocin is administered via an intravenous drip, with the intention of making your contractions dilate your cervix without becoming too powerful.
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Natural induction: It is possible to induce labour by natural means too. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for causing contractions and nipple stimulation (either manually or with a breastfeeding pumps) produces this hormone and can induce labour. Sexual intercourse has also been known to stimulate contractions of the uterus.
Induction usually begins with a membrane sweep. This may need to be done a few times and if it is successful and labour begins, your labour and delivery will likely progress as a normal one.
If the membrane sweep is not successful, your doctor or midwife may administer an artificial hormone to start contractions.
If administration of artificial hormones also fails to start labour then your doctor may artificially break your water, which often starts contractions. However, with this method, there are some risks involved for your baby, therefore you and your baby will be monitored to ensure that both of you are safe.
Often inducing labour causes stronger and more painful contractions and you may find that an epidural is required to help you deal with the pain. This is your choice and you can still opt for alternate methods of pain management.
If induction is not successful, you will likely be offered a caesarean and in some cases it may be medically necessary. However, many women who are induced go on to have normal labours and deliveries, with the only form of medical intervention required being the induction of labour itself.
It’s important to remember that one in three births require medical intervention and it is in no way a reflection of your abilities as a woman or mother.
However, induction without medical indication is absolutely not recommended. There are many valid reasons for inducing labour, but CONVENIENCE is not one of them.
Your goal should be to bring a healthy baby into the world. Those last few weeks, uncomfortable though they may be, allow further time for development of vital organs.
What could possibly take priority over time to allow your baby’s heart, lungs and brain to fully mature? Be patient these last few weeks. Your little one will come when he or she is ready to enter the world.