Induction of Labor

Statistics show that anything between 10 and 20 percent of all labors are induced. In other words, up to one in five of all pregnant women have their labors started off artificially rather than happening spontaneously. It is, of-course, sometimes necessary to bring about labor for a variety of reasons.

In the majority of cases, a decision to induce is a result of concern for the fetal well-being if it were to continue to stay in the womb. This is compounded by the fact that there are good but no foolproof methods of monitoring the well-being of the fetus in the uterus. In such circumstances, it very occasionally becomes necessary to expedite delivery. Unless there are contraindications, induction of labor, aiming for vaginal delivery, is the preferred method.

Occasionally, the induction of labor is done as a result of concern for maternal well-being, for example to allow the treatment of a serious unrelated illness diagnosed during pregnancy. In some instances, such as pre-eclampsia, there is concern for both mother and baby and labor may be induced.

Induction of labor for social reasons ("I am moving house", "I want it before Christmas", "my partner has a business trip" and the like) sits firmly albeit uncomfortably along all these possible indications.

Induction of labor is ideally done as close to term as possible.

Induction of labor is not always a routine affair. It can be a protracted and very unpleasant experience indeed. This is uncommon but the possibility should never be ignored. Moreover, induction can and does occasionally fail. Which leads inevitably to the question of "what next"? The answer may very well be a cesarean section, which in the cold light of day may be seen to have been unnecessary.

There are only a few methods of labor induction of proven efficacy. All these are discussed in detail below.

Are there any DIY methods for labor induction? Not at present, nor in the foreseeable future. However, many midwives could give you tips on how to encourage things along. All are of unproven value but at least they are mostly harmless and may even be fun. We have discussed these in more detail under the title: ‘Self Induction of labor’

The labor induction process

This is the process of starting off labor by initiating uterine contractions. The process commonly includes the initial preparation of the neck of the womb (cervix) to facilitate its softening and dilatation (opening) in labor.

Labor augmentation

Labor augmentation is carried out when the woman is already in labor but where the progress of labor has been unsatisfactory. It is therefore an act of accelerating the process and never involves cervical preparation.

When induction of labor becomes necessary

Indications for inducing labor are many and varied. It may be deemed necessary to intervene and bring about labor and delivery for fetal reasons and, less commonly, for maternal reasons.

If there is sufficient concern about the baby’s well-being, labor may be induced. This may be because of growth restriction, recurrent vaginal bleeding (antepartum hemorrhage), maternal diabetes or infection.

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