Induction of labor is done to stimulate uterine contractions to speed up the labor process. However, this procedure should not be done haphazardly because it has several risks. Therefore, identify the reasons, methods, and risks of induction of labor before undergoing it.
When the pregnancy exceeds the age of 42 weeks, the amniotic fluid begins to decrease. If not delivered immediately, various risks of disturbances to the fetus can occur, ranging from fetal distress to death. Therefore, induction of labor is needed for the safety of the mother and fetus.
Labor induction procedure aims to stimulate uterine contractions in an effort to launch vaginal delivery.
Reasons for Induction Needed Labor
There are several conditions that require induction of labor, including:
The contractions have not been felt even though the amniotic fluid has broken
Water that has broken more than 24 hours before delivery can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, doctors will usually consider further steps, be it induction of labor or monitoring for signs of normal labor.
However, if the membranes rupture under 37 weeks of gestation or prematurely, the doctor will monitor the condition of the baby in the womb first. This is because induction of labor at this gestational age will only be recommended if there are certain medical indications.
If possible, childbirth can be carried out normally as long as it is considered safe for both mother and baby. This choice, of course, must go through a process of discussion between doctors and pregnant women, because babies born prematurely have the potential to experience developmental disorders.
The gestational age has passed the estimated time of delivery
If there are no signs of being born when the gestational age exceeds 42 weeks, the risk of the baby dying in the womb and other health problems will be higher. Therefore, doctors will usually recommend a labor induction procedure.
Pregnancy high risk
If the pregnant woman has certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions that can affect the fetus, the doctor will offer a labor induction procedure. This is done for the safety of the mother and baby in the womb.
In addition, several other conditions can also be the reason for the induction of labor, such as an infection in the uterus, the baby stops developing, oligohydramnios, preeclampsia, or abruptio placenta.
Various Methods of Induction of Labor
There are several types of induction of labor that will be adapted to the condition of the pregnant woman and the pregnancy problems experienced. Following are the types:
1. Using the m techniqueEmbrane Stripping
The doctor or midwife will use her finger to separate the lining of the amniotic sac from the cervix. This method can release the hormone prostaglandin which can trigger labor.
2. Ripening the cervix
The doctor will give medication containing hormones to thin or ripen the cervix, either in the form of oral drugs or drugs that are inserted into the vagina (suppositories).
In addition to the administration of drugs, this method can also be done by inserting a catheter containing a saline solution into the cervix.
3. Breaking the amniotic fluid
This method, called an amniotomy, is performed when the baby's head is in the lower pelvis and the cervix is half-open. This method is done by making a small hole in the amniotic sac.
Later, pregnant women will feel a burst of warm fluid when the amniotic sac has been ruptured.
4. Using drugs that are infused into the vein
This method uses the hormone oxytocin, which is a synthetic hormone that triggers uterine contractions, which is inserted through a vein. Oxytocin hormone infusion is done if the cervix begins to thin and soften.
Not infrequently, doctors also use a combination of several of the above methods to smooth delivery. If the cervix has softened and there are no disturbances, labor will usually occur a few hours after induction. However, if the induction is not successful, cesarean section becomes the last option for the delivery process.
Risks That May Arise After Induction of Labor
Just like any other medical procedure, induction of labor also has risks. Therefore, induction of labor is only done on good considerations and reasons. There are several risks that can arise from labor induction, including:
- Severe pain compared to contractions in normal labor
- Weak heart rate and reduced oxygen supply to the baby, due to the content of oxytocin or prostaglandins in labor induction drugs
- Infection in mother and baby
- Bleeding that occurs because the uterine muscles do not contract after delivery (uterine atony)
- Rupture of the uterus that requires removal of the uterus
Induction of labor is not recommended if the pregnant woman has certain conditions, such as genital herpes infection, history of cesarean section with a vertical incision, history of major surgery on the uterus, prolapse of the umbilical cord, or the birth canal is too narrow for the baby.
Therefore, make sure pregnant women and their families have discussed with their obstetrician before deciding to undergo labor induction. Later, the doctor will determine the right method of labor induction, according to the health condition of the pregnant woman.