INDUCING LABOR

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Induction of labor.
Progress labor should feel like contractions
are building up, getting stronger and
clustering minute by minute. Certain
womans body would halt these natural active
labor; thus, prolonging the process of labor.
Induced labor is suggested by the doctor in
order for mother to deliver baby safely and
with no further complications for both.

Ways to induce labor.

Once it is definitive that progress in
contraction has stopped, induction may
begin. There are two ways to induce labor.
One way is influencing the uterine contraction
through chemical agents such as medicines
or a process called augmentation. Cytotec,
Cervidil or Pitocin are the medications that
thin out the cervix. Cervix is the first pathway
that babys head needs to come. Next, baby
passes along the vagina. Finally, baby is
delivered. The other way is persuading
uterine contraction via mechanical
stimulation. These methods are sweeping the
membrane, rupturing the membrane and
balloon catheter. Sweeping membrane is
where doctor sweep a finger around the
cervix to separate the womb from the uterus.
It has lower risk for infection compared to
ruptured membrane, but only works in 1 out
of 8 women. Rupturing the membrane is
same as popping your water bag so babys
head gets closer to the pelvic floor; thus
speeds up the labor. Balloon catheter is
where a balloon is inflated inside the cervix to
help stretch the cervix to its fullest, 10 cm.

Picture retrieved from http://

www.birth.com.au/induction-of-labour

Your labor may be induced if

you have one of the following:
Your pregnancy has gone 1 - 2 weeks past
your estimated due date.

You have high blood pressure, lung

disease, infections, preeclampsia,
diabetes, placenta abruptio

Your water bag has broken but contraction

has not started.

Your baby has a condition that needs

treatment, and the risk of vaginal delivery
are low.

Your house and hospital driving distance is

hours away. Doctors may induce you as
early as 39 weeks.

Source:

WebMD. (2014). Labor induction and

augmentation. Retrieved from http://
www.webmd.com/baby/tc/labor-induction-and-