Labor Induction also known as inducing labor refers to when a care provider initiates labor

artificially instead of allowing the labor to starts on its own. This process involves mechanically

opening the cervix, breaking the water bag or administering medications to start the contraction

and it could also be a combination of these methods. The care provider induces labor in order to

speed up the delivery process in circumstances where the mother’s health or the fetus’s health is

at risk or when the mother has past due date of delivery. Normally. Labor starts naturally any

time between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy.

There are several methods of inducing labor which include ripening the cervix, this occur when

prostaglandins in a pill or as a suppository are placed into the vagina to soften or ripen the

cervix. Sweeping the membranes of the amniotic sac method, this occur when the care provider

sweeps over the covering of the amniotic sac with a gloved finger. This method separates the sac

from the cervix and the lower uterine wall. The artificial rupture the amniotic sac method also

known as amniotomy, the care provider makes a tiny opening in the amniotic sac in order for the

water to break. Lastly, the care provider can administer oxytocin (Pitocin) intravenously which

start or speed up the contractions.

Risks for labor induction include failed induction, occurs when the method used does not result

in a vaginal delivery after 24 hours, therefore, a c-section might be necessary. Low fetal heart

rate is when the neonate’s oxygen supply is insufficient and heart rate decreases due to

medications being used that causes the uterus to contract too much. Rupturing the membrane

might increase the risk of infection for both mother and the baby because the longer the time

between rupture and labor, the higher the risk for infection. Uterine rupture which is very rare

but serious complication in which the uterus tears along the scar line from a prior c-section or a
major uterine surgery. Lastly, when the uterine muscle does not properly contract after delivery,

serious bleeding after giving birth can occur.