Induction of labour is the process of using drugs or other methods to encourage labour to start artificially rather than waiting for labour to start naturally. Induction can be a lengthy process. The process of induction can be different for everyone, most women will have their babies within 24 hrs, for others induction may take up to 2 to 3 days.
Inducing labour is usually reserved for situations where the benefits of delivering the baby outweigh the risks of continuing the pregnancy. Some situations where IOL is performed includes:
- Prolonged pregnancy (that goes beyond 41 weeks)
- Where a woman’s waters have broken prior to the onset of labour in a term pregnancy (a pregnancy 37 or more weeks gestation)
- At the request of the pregnant mother (only where exceptional circumstances exist)
- Gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy) requiring insulin for treatment
- Cholestasis of pregnancy (a condition of pregnancy where the pregnant mother experiences itch without a rash, which is associated with specific abnormal blood results)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnancy based on individual circumstances
Alternative Methods
- Sex
- Nipple Stimulation
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Hypnotherapy
- Reflexology
Techniques and Medications for Induction of Labour
- Prostaglandins: When the cervix is open to around two to three centimeters and the baby’s head has gone down into your pelvis, it should be possible to ‘break the waters’ around the baby. This procedure is carried out by using a small plastic hook which releases the water and allows the pressure of the baby’s head to press on the cervix and stimulate contractions. It will not harm you or your baby. The procedure may be uncomfortable but it should not be painful.
- Artifical Rupture of Membranes / ARM: This procedure is when the waters are artificially broken with a tiny hook during a vaginal examination. This can only be done if the baby’s head is low and the cervix is open enough to allow this to happen.
- Oxytocin: This is an artificial form of the hormone that causes your uterus (womb) to commence contractions. This is given through a tiny tube into a vein in the arm (drip). It can only be given when the waters have broken. This is usually the main form of induction for pre-labour rupture of the membranes.
- A patient experience survey for postdates induction showed that women who are induced were more satisfied with their delivery than those who are left to wait longer for delivery.
- Traditionally it was thought that induction of labour increased rates of caesarean section and other medical interventions.
- Recent studies show no increase in instrumental delivery and in specific cases, significantly lower rates of caesarean section.
- If mothers over the age of 40 choose to have an induction at 39-40 weeks this reduces their risk to the same as for younger mothers with a pregnancy over 41 weeks.
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