What to Expect if Your Labour is Induced
The journey of pregnancy is filled with anticipation and excitement, but it also comes with its fair share of questions, concerns, and surprises. Some mums-to-be are surprised by the fact that they may need some help starting their labour. It’s called labour induction – a medical procedure that encourages your body to begin the birthing process.
You may be wondering why your doctor or midwife has suggested an induction. What it feels like and what it means to you and your baby are also likely questions. We’ll walk you through the whole process, including why and how it might be done.
What is the Exact Definition of Labour Induction?
Labour induction is the medical induction of labour rather than waiting until your body starts on its own. To induce labour, healthcare providers encourage your body’s contractions to begin and prepare for delivery.
Induction may feel like you are “interfering” in nature. But your healthcare team will usually suggest it because they believe it is the best option for you and your baby. Either because it is the safer choice, or you have reached a stage in your pregnancy when induction has been recommended.
Why Would You Need Labour Induced?
Your body is extremely intelligent. Most women go into labour on their own between 37-42 weeks. Many of them do so around the due date. Sometimes, however, the pregnancy can continue past this time frame, or medical reasons may make it safer to deliver the baby sooner rather than later.
The following are some of the most common reasons why your healthcare provider may suggest an induction.
1. You’re Overdue (Past 42 Weeks)
Induction is often recommended by doctors to reduce the risk of stillbirth, decreased amniotic fluid, and placental problems.
2. Your Water Has Broken, But Labour Hasn’t Started
Your waters may break before you start to experience contractions. Labour usually begins naturally within 24 to 48 hours. In the event that it does not, an induction may be recommended. This is because there are increased risks of infection both for you and your child if the waters have been broken for too long.
Your healthcare team will carefully discuss your options if you are less than 37 weeks and your waters have broken early (preterm premature rupture of membranes).
3. Health Concerns For You Or Your Baby
Some medical conditions can make it more dangerous to continue carrying your baby than to deliver early. Some of these conditions include:
- High Blood Pressure or Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Placental Abruption
- Low levels of amniotic fluid
- Infections of the uterus
In such cases, the induction can help you avoid complications and keep you both safer.
4. For Personal or Practical Reasons
Induction can be requested for reasons other than medical. You can, for example:
- You want to be near the hospital, but live too far away.
- You are prone to rapid labour and wish to receive medical assistance.
- You have experienced a loss of pregnancy or a stillbirth in the past, and you want to be able to control timing.
Your provider will check to see if your baby has reached 39 weeks. Delivering too early could cause serious health issues for your newborn.
How is Labour Induced? How to Induce Labour?
You might wonder what to expect next if you are facing induction. There are several ways to induce labour, and the best method for you will depend on your personal situation.
Here are a few of the most popular induction methods.
Membrane Sweep
It is usually the first option to try before trying more complicated options. Your midwife will gently separate the membranes from the amniotic pouch by inserting a gloved hand into your cervix.
It can also help kickstart labour by releasing natural hormones, prostaglandins. The procedure is generally painless. However, it may cause discomfort, cramping or light bleeding.
It’s possible to get the membrane swept within a couple of days, but this is not guaranteed.
Prostaglandin Medication
Your healthcare provider can use prostaglandins directly if the cervix hasn’t yet become ready (soft and dilated). Synthetic prostaglandins are available as tablets, gels, or pessaries (a tampon like device) which you insert into your vagina.
These hormones can help to “ripen” your cervix (soften it and thin it) and stimulate contractions.
You’ll be asked to lie on your side while the medication absorbs for 30 minutes, and then you can start moving around. If everything is fine and the contractions are not yet underway, you may be sent home. However, most often you will be monitored in the hospital.
If labour does not start, the dose may need to be repeated after 6-24 hours.
Balloon Catheter (Foley’s Catheter)
A balloon catheter may be used if prostaglandins don’t work for you or if the cervix requires more stimulation to open. A flexible, small tube with a tiny ball on the end is placed into the cervix.
The balloon is then gently inflated using sterile water to put pressure on the cervix, similar to how a baby’s cervix does during labour.
Your midwife will adjust the balloon as your cervix opens and softens.
It is often used to help labour begin on its own. However, it can also be combined with other methods.
Breaking the Waters
Breaking your water can sometimes encourage labour.
The amniotic sac is ruptured by your midwife or doctor using a small tool with a hooked finger or rake-like finger.
This can trigger hormones that cause contractions. It doesn’t always trigger labour. If contractions do not begin within a couple of hours, additional methods may be used, such as a hormonal drip.
Hormone Drip
You may be given an intravenous drip of a synthetic version of the hormone, oxytocin, if other methods don’t work or if labour begins but doesn’t progress well.
The drip regulates and strengthens contractions by regulating the hormone oxytocin.
It may take up to 48 hours for this drip to kickstart labour. You’ll be closely watched for the timing and strength of your contractions, as well as your baby’s health.
How Does Induced Labour Feel?
Induction can lead to labour that is different and even more intense than spontaneous labour.
Women who are induced report feeling more overwhelmed by the contractions. Women who have been induced tend to be more inclined to ask for an epidural or some other form of pain relief.
Induction does not restrict your options in pain management. You will have access to all the pain management methods available at your hospital, including epidurals or gas.
It’s important to communicate openly with the care team about how you feel and what you need.
What about the Birth?
A natural vaginal delivery can still be achieved with an induced labour, but statistics indicate that there is a greater chance of needing assistance during the delivery process, such as vacuums or forceps.
Sometimes, if labour does not progress despite induction attempts, a cesarean section (C-section) may become necessary.
Your healthcare team will monitor you and your child closely and discuss with you all the options available to ensure that you are both safe.
What about Natural Ways of Inducing Labour?
You might try natural remedies if you are nearing your due dadatend hope that labour will begin soon.
These techniques are not proven to induce labour, but women use them because they want to feel in control or are curious.
Natural methods that are commonly used include:
- Sex (semen may contain prostaglandins, and orgasm can stimulate contractions).
- Consuming spicy foods (although no link has been proven)
- Acupuncture and acupressure
- Take warm baths
- Walking or doing gentle exercises
To reduce the risk of infection, avoid having sex if your waters have broken.
It’s normal for babies born after 40 weeks to arrive. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 35% of all babies are born after their due date. You’re not alone if you wait.
Conclusion
When recommended by your doctor, labour induction is an easy and safe procedure. It can be a bit daunting to start your labour “artificially,” but remember that your goal is a safe birth for both you and your child.
Ask questions and communicate your preferences to your midwife. You’ll have a team of people to help you at every stage of the labour process.
If induction is near, you can be confident that your baby will arrive safely into your arms. Nature may have required a little assistance this time around, but what matters most is that your precious baby reaches you safely.
