Induction Of Labor

Sometimes, your baby may need to arrive sooner than expected. In these cases, labor induction could be necessary. Induction refers to the use of medications or other methods to start labor (ACOG.org). There are various circumstances, methods, and pros and cons associated with induction, and in this blog, we’ll explore them all.

Let’s start by discussing why labor may need to be induced. Most often, it's because your care team has determined that it’s safer for the baby to be born than for you to remain pregnant. Examples include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or a rupture of the membranes (water breaking) without labor progress after 24 hours. The risk of infection increases once the water breaks, especially for women who are group B strep positive. Induction is also commonly recommended for women who reach 42 weeks of pregnancy without going into spontaneous labor. While these situations often lead to an induction discussion, your care provider’s decision will vary depending on your specific circumstances.

It’s important to know that you always have the right to refuse an induction, just as you can refuse any procedure during pregnancy and labor. If you’re unsure whether to proceed with induction, take time to consider the pros and cons. What are the risks of being induced versus the risks of not being induced? A doula can help guide you through this decision-making process so you feel confident in your choice.

Another type of induction to consider is elective induction. This occurs when there is no medical concern, but the mother or care provider prefers to induce labor. Some obstetricians believe that induction at 39 weeks should be a common practice, and while research supports this, the final decision rests with you. It’s also important to note that elective inductions may not be covered by all insurance policies.

If induction is necessary, what methods are used? In a hospital setting, medications are commonly used to begin the process. First, the cervix may need to be ripened, either with medication or mechanical methods like a balloon catheter. While natural methods may be considered, your doctor may not recommend relying on them, so it’s best to try these ahead of your scheduled induction, if safe. Once the cervix is ripened, labor may begin naturally. If not, additional interventions like Pitocin—synthetic oxytocin—may be used to stimulate contractions. These contractions will help the cervix dilate, and the process may continue with Pitocin or stop if the body takes over.

There are pros and cons to induction, and you’ll need to weigh what’s best for you. Some pros include a decreased risk if there’s a health concern for you or the baby, the ability to schedule the induction, and a sense of control over the timing. For women living far from the hospital, induction may reduce the anxiety of rushing to get there. On the downside, induction typically requires a hospital setting, which may not align with your original plan. Additionally, contractions caused by Pitocin are often more intense than those from spontaneous labor, which may complicate a natural birth plan. The medications used for induction often require continuous monitoring, limiting your mobility. Inductions can also take a long time—sometimes even days—causing fatigue and stress. In some cases, the induction fails, which can lead to disappointment, especially if it results in a cesarean.

The most important takeaway is that you have the right to make decisions about induction. You can choose to decline an induction if you feel it’s not right for you. While there may be consequences to this decision, it’s essential to weigh them against the risks of being induced. Informed consent is your right, and it’s vital to make an educated choice.

If you're a mom in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, I would love to help support you throughout your pregnancy and birth. Feel free to email me or visit my website for more details. If you're outside my area, I'm still happy to answer any questions you may have! I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more daily information.

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