Natural labor induction

Is a medical process by which labour is
stimulated to begin artificially. A related intervention is
augmentation (acceleration), when a labour which has started
naturally is artificially stimulated or sped up.
Natural labour induction is increasingly common, with a growing
number of babies induced for social or non-medical reasons.
Understanding what induction is, and why it may be an important
and even life-saving intervention for some women, will help you to
make informed decisions. This brief summary supports the basic
understanding that it would be unwise to interfere with the natural
process, without a valid reason

How is it done?

The most commonly used drug for induction or augmentation is a
synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin (Syntocinon®). This is
administered in an intravenous (IV) fluid.
Other common methods include artificial rupture of the membranes,
and the use of prostaglandins inserted into the vagina.

Why?

Medically, there are ‘indications’ or conditions in which induction of
labour will usually be considered. These include diabetes, blood
pressure problems and toxaemia, blood group problems due to Rh
factor, prolonged pregnancy (usually beyond 41 completed weeks),
rupture of membranes without labour commencing, and suspected
poor growth in the womb (intrauterine growth restriction, IUGR).
Induction past 41 weeks may save 1 in 300 to 1 in 500 babies from
unexpected death. This benefit must be weighed up against the
risks of induction by the expectant mother. Many inductions are
done for social reasons. If you have been offered induction of

labour, and are not convinced that there is a valid reason for

interfering with the natural process, ask your doctor or midwife to

explain why they want to induce labour.

Become pregnant