For example, if you live far from the hospital or birthing center or you have a history of rapid deliveries, a scheduled induction might help you avoid an unattended delivery. In such cases, your health care provider will confirm that your baby's gestational age is at least 39 weeks or older before induction to reduce the risk of health problems for your baby.
A C-section includes an abdominal incision and a uterine incision. After the abdominal incision, the doctor will make an incision in your uterus. Low transverse incisions are the most common top left. If you've had a prior C-section and have labor induced, your health care provider will avoid certain medications to reduce the risk of uterine rupture.
Labor induction is done in a hospital or birthing center, where you and your baby can be monitored and labor and delivery services are readily available. However, some steps might be taken prior to admission.
There are various methods for inducing labor. Depending on the circumstances, your health care provider might:. Keep in mind that your health care provider might also use a combination of these methods to induce labor. How long it takes for labor to start depends on how ripe your cervix is when your induction starts, the induction techniques used and how your body responds to them.
If your cervix needs time to ripen, it might take days before labor begins. If you simply need a little push, you might be holding your baby in your arms in a matter of hours.
In most cases, labor induction leads to a successful vaginal birth. If labor induction fails, you might need to try another induction or have a C-section. If you have a successful vaginal delivery after induction, there might be no implications for future pregnancies. If the induction leads to a C-section, your health care provider can help you decide whether to attempt a vaginal delivery with a subsequent pregnancy or to schedule a repeat C-section. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Labor induction About. Amniotomy is done to start labor when the cervix is dilated and thinned and the fetus's head has moved down into the pelvis. Most women go into labor within hours after the amniotic sac breaks their "water breaks". Oxytocin is a hormone that causes contractions of the uterus. It can be used to start labor or to speed up labor that began on its own.
Contractions usually start about 30 minutes after oxytocin is given. With some methods, the uterus can be overstimulated, causing it to contract too frequently.
Too many contractions may lead to changes in the fetal heart rate, umbilical cord problems, and other problems. Other risks of cervical ripening and labor induction include the following:. Medical problems that were present before pregnancy or occurred during pregnancy may contribute to these complications.
Sometimes labor induction does not work. A failed attempt at induction may mean that you will need to try another induction or have a cesarean delivery. The chance of having a cesarean delivery is greatly increased for first-time mothers who have labor induction, especially if the cervix is not ready for labor.
Fetus: The stage of prenatal development that starts 8 weeks after fertilization and lasts until the end of pregnancy. Laminaria: Slender rods made of natural or synthetic material that expands when it absorbs water; they are inserted into the opening of the cervix to widen it.
Oxytocin: A hormone made in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus that causes the uterus to contract and milk to be released into the milk ducts of the breast during breastfeeding. A synthetic form of oxytocin can be given as a drug to induce labor contractions or make them stronger.
Prostaglandins: Chemicals that are made by the body that have many effects, including causing the muscle of the uterus to contract, usually causing cramps. Umbilical Cord: A cord-like structure containing blood vessels that connects the fetus to the placenta.
Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
All rights reserved. A first-time mother whose cervix is not ready for labor has an increased chance of the induction leading to a cesarean delivery, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This is why asking questions see below — especially about the condition of your cervix — is so important.
Throughout the induction process, your healthcare provider, doctor, or midwife will monitor you and your baby to determine whether or not an assisted vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery is necessary.
Before you agree to be induced, consider finding out the following from your healthcare provider:. However, a home delivery with natural induction methods may sometimes be an option.
Well… try to keep an open mind! Take a moment to consider how you think and feel about your labor and delivery plan. The mental and emotional aspects of labor and delivery are complicated enough, and getting induced has its own benefits and risks. Load an electronic device with movies, on-demand shows, and books and add them to your hospital bag.
Pack a journal and plan on taking a few minutes to jot down your in-the-moment labor and delivery thoughts. Most practitioners say no food once contractions begin. If the induction lasts longer than 12 to 24 hours, consider allowing your partner some fresh air.
A bored induction partner can turn into an annoying labor and delivery companion, so allow your partner to pack their own hospital bag. Tell them to pack some snacks nothing smelly! Once at the hospital, communicate your feelings as best as possible, and then tell them to go find you some ice cream for after.
It will be okay! Talk with friends and family members who have had induced labors and at some point, and try to stop googling. Labor induction is a procedure in which your doctor uses methods to help you go into labor. There are some natural ways to induce labor. If your due date is here, read this and talk to your doctor about what's right for you. Your Bishop score can provide clues about how close you are to active labor and whether induction is the right choice for you.
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