Why is this procedure done?
During pregnancy, a baby grows inside your womb. Another name for the womb is uterus. The baby is in a fluid-filled bag called the amniotic sac. The fluid helps your babys lungs mature. The sac also protects your baby from infections. When you are at the end of your pregnancy, your bag of water may break and the fluid will leak out. Then, your cervix ripens or becomes soft, thin, and opens. You may start to have contractions and your baby is ready to be born. ‚
Normally, labor happens during the 9th month of pregnancy. Sometimes, the process of having a baby does not happen at the time that is best for the mother and the baby. You may need to have your baby before or after your due date. You and your doctor will decide the best time for your baby to be born. If needed, your doctor can start your labor. The medical name for artificially starting labor is induction of labor. ‚
Your doctor may give you drugs to start your contractions. Other medical procedures may be done as well. Contractions are when the muscles in your womb become tight and then relax. You may feel cramps, pain, or your belly may become tight. Your body uses the contractions to push the baby down to the cervix and out of your vagina. ‚
There are many reasons why your doctor may need to start your labor. Be sure you understand why you need induction of labor done. Understand the risks and benefits of having your baby at this time. Your doctor may need to start your labor if: ‚
- You are 1 to 2 weeks past your due date
- Your bag of water has broken but you are not having contractions
- You have health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, or an infection
- Your baby has heart problems
- Baby is dead before being born which is a stillbirth.
- There is not enough fluid around your belly
- Your baby is too large or you have a small pelvis
- Your baby is not growing well inside your womb or your placenta is not working well
- Special concern or request like travel distance between home and place of birth
What will the results be?
- You may be able to deliver your baby vaginally.
- Your doctor will try to help you and your baby have the best outcome possible.
- You may be able to avoid other problems for you or your baby.
- Your baby may be born early. Your baby may need extra care in a special baby unit or a newborn intensive care unit.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
- Your doctor will do an exam and check you and your baby. The doctor may order lab tests.
- Talk to the doctor about starting your labor. Learn what method the doctor will be using. You may be able to go home. Other times, you will be in the hospital until after you have the baby.
What happens during the procedure?
- Labor can be started in many ways. How long your labor takes to start will depend on the method used. Some may take only a few hours. Others, may take 2 to 3 days before the labor begins.
- Some of the common methods include:
- Using a special tool to break your bag of water is an amniotomy or artificial rupture of the membranes.
- Using an artificial hormone drug that will make your womb contract. The drug is called Pitocin ‚ ®.
- Using a drug that is placed in the vagina. The drug will make the cervix soft and thin for delivery. This drug is called prostaglandin.
- Your doctor places a finger inside your cervix and separates the amniotic sac from the womb. Separating the amniotic sac from the womb is stripping the membranes.
- Your doctor will monitor your cervix. Your cervix slowly opens and becomes thinner. The baby slowly moves down the birth canal.
- You can use many different comfort techniques and pain control methods to help you get through the contractions.
- Your doctor may tell you to start pushing after your cervix is at 10 cm.
- Sometimes, labor induction does not work to deliver your baby vaginally. You may need to have a Cesarean section or C-section. With a C-section, your doctor makes a cut in your belly and womb and delivers your baby.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will recover in your labor room after you give birth. If you had a C-section, you may go to a Recovery Room after the procedure.
- The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Your doctor will tell when you can go home. You may go home in 1 to 2 days.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Use a well-fitting bra for support.
- Use sanitary pads. Ask your doctor when you may use tampons or douche.
- Take a sitz bath 3 to 4 times each day. Sit in 2 to 3 inches of warm water in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Carefully wipe your bottom afterwards.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Ask your doctor if you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds.
- Ask your doctor when you may go back to normal activities like work, driving, or sex.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Baby is born early
- Infection
- Placenta separates from the womb
- Umbilical cord slips out before the baby
- Your baby may not be well
- Tearing of the womb
- Risk for Cesarean section
Helpful tips
- Take a nap when your baby sleeps.
- Do something that can help you relax like reading books or listening to music.
- Make time for you and your partner to be alone and talk.
- Make time for you and your partner to enjoy your baby.
- Breastfeeding is good for the baby and for you.
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/inducinglabor.html ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/pregnancy-newborns/labor-childbirth/labor-induction.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/childbirth/inductions.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚