Definition

Medical induction of labor is when the birth process is started before it begins on its own. Medicine and procedures may be needed.

Reasons for Procedure

Labor may need to be started when it is not healthy for the baby to stay in the womb. Babies can get too large for a safe vaginal birth. This can make it hard for them to get enough oxygen. Labor may be started for a pregnancy:

• That is 2 or more weeks past the due date
• With twins that has reached the due date

Labor may also need to be started when there are health problems for the mother or baby, such as:

• Water breaks and contractions do not start
• High blood pressure or diabetes in the mother
• Infection in the uterus
• The baby is not growing well
• Low fluid levels in the uterus
• Rh incompatibility—mother and baby have different red blood cell Rh types which make the mother's immune system attack the baby's blood cells

Some women may choose to have labor started without a medical need.

Possible Complications

Problems that may happen because of induction are:

• Medicine that does not start labor. A c-section may be needed.
• Contractions that are too strong. This can lead to problems with the fetus and uterus. Medicine may need to be changed or adjusted.

The doctor will review problems that may happen.

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

Cervical Ripening

The cervix will need to soften, thin, and open before the baby can pass through. Medicine will help to make this happen. The medicine may be a:

• Gel that is put on the cervix
• Pill that is placed in the vagina
• Pill that is taken by mouth

It can take a few days to ripen.

The care team may also:

• Free the cervix from the tissue around the baby’s head.
• Use a small balloon to help open the cervix.
• Place a stick of seaweed into the cervix to help open it

Changes in the Cervix During Pregnancy Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Contractions

A medicine called oxytocin can start contractions. It may be changed to make the contractions stronger or weaker as labor starts.

The labor and birth will then be the same as when labor begins on its own.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if your healing is not going as you expect or you have:

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher in the first 2 weeks
• Soaked more than 1 pad per hour or bleeding increases
• Wounds that become red, swollen, or have pus
• New pain, swelling, or soreness in your legs
• Bad-smelling leakage from vagina
• Problems passing urine
• Pain in the vagina gets worse
• Cough or chest pain, nausea, or vomiting

If you think you are having an emergency, call for medical help right away.