Induced Labor: Different Techniques And Risk Associated With It

Induced labor refers to techniques used by the health care provider when you are not going in for natural labor. These techniques are not only used for bringing on labor but also for giving a momentum to the process. This practice is not very uncommon and the technique is successfully used in about 20 % childbirths in USA. Here are some situations when you need to self induce labor.

When To Induce Labor?

If, in the opinion of your practitioner, you are at a higher risk if you prolong the pregnancy then she decides to induce labor. There are a lot of factors responsible that force your doctor to take this decision. For example, if the due date has already passed and there is no indication of natural labor then waiting for it will be a risky decision. It can create health hazards for both you and your baby.

If your health practitioner doesn't choose to induce labor even at this stage, then you have all the possibilities of developing infection in uterus. This is a very unsafe situation for the baby. Moreover, your placenta may not be able to carry out its functions properly resulting in stillbirth or great troubles to the baby. The risk for you and baby will increase so much that you might have to go for a caesarean section.

Another situation one needs to induce labor is when you do not enter into natural labor even after your water breaks and a definite amount of time has passed. This time limit varies with the individual. Some other conditions that also call for induced labor are developing preeclampsia or having an acute or chronic disease.

Technique Differs With The Condition Of Cervix

The technique used by practitioners to induce labor also varies with the condition of the expectant mother. If the cervix is yet in an unripe condition then the practitioner has to use some techniques to ripen it like using mechanical or hormonal methods. A ripe cervix refers to one that has dilated, softened and thinned out.

Here are some of the techniques that are used by the practitioner to induce labor: -

• Inserting the finger when cervix has already dilated to some extent to take apart a bag of water from the uterus. This method causes discharge of prostaglandin. This hormone assists in starting the contractions and ripening the cervix.
• By inserting medicines into vagina. These medicines have prostaglandin to arouse contractions.
• By inserting a balloon with the help of catheter into cervix. Prostaglandin is released when pressure is applied on cervix by inflating the balloon.
• By rupturing the membrane with the help of a plastic hooked instrument.

Risk Factor

However, before you go for it you should know the risks associated with it. Many times techniques used to induce labor don't work and you are left with no option other than a caesarean section.