There are different reasons why a birth has to be induced. The fact is: nowadays, the initiation of birth is no longer an exceptional occurrence. And in many cases, the induction of labor is also a redemptive step for the mother, finally being able to end the pregnancy or hold the unborn child in her arms.
The wait is over
Even if labor usually starts on its own, nature needs help now and then. If no contractions set in or if those are too weak, there is always talk of inducing birth. Artificially induced contractions can therefore be used to start the birth process. Especially if the pregnancy is very long or there are possible dangers that affect the baby or the mother, the birth is induced. There are different ways to induce the birth. However, the physician advises in advance which variant is preferred and also explains to the pregnant woman which advantages and disadvantages are possible. Theoretically, there are no risks. However, if complications arise, the induction of labor will be terminated or the child will be delivered by cesarean section.
Reasons to induce labor
There are many reasons. The most common reason is the so-called placental insufficiency. In the context of this circumstance, the unborn child is supplied with too little oxygen. If there is a visible danger, which was determined in the context of an ultrasound, CTG or Doppler sonography, it is also advised to induce labor. Induction of labor is also advised if the baby is relatively large before the 38th week of pregnancy and further growth suggests that the baby will become even larger or heavier, so that a normal birth process would not be possible in the 40th or 41st week of pregnancy. If premature rupture of the membranes occurs without labor, induction of labor with medication is also recommended; this can reduce or completely prevent a possible risk of infection for the baby. Twins are usually born by cesarean section. Of course, spontaneous deliveries are also possible. However, a birth can also be induced if one of the two children is not sufficiently supplied with oxygen. If the unborn child is sick and there is no possibility of treating it in the womb, a birth must also be induced. Even if the mother is ill (pregnancy-related high blood pressure, gestational diabetes), the birth can be induced so that the risks of any complications – concerning the mother – can be reduced. If the mother suffers from severe physical as well as psychological discomfort after the 37th week of pregnancy and the medical professional has determined that the baby is already very mature, induction of labor may also be performed.
At what point is induction performed?
Birth is induced when either the baby’s or the mother’s health is at risk or when there is sometimes a danger to the baby. In the maternity ward, depending on the condition of the cervix, synthetic oxytocin or even artificial prostaglandins are used in an attempt to induce labor. However, it may well take some time before the birth process actually begins. For this reason, the mother (and also the child) must be under constant observation. Birth is induced if the due date has already been exceeded by seven to ten days, if there is a diabetic condition that did not arise because of the pregnancy, if the child is suffering from oxygen deprivation, or sometimes if there is a multiple pregnancy and the mother does not want a natural birth.
Methods of induction of labor
Induction of labor with oxytocin infusion has the advantage that the physician can estimate the birth time relatively well, and therefore a long-lasting induction is not necessary. The baby is monitored – from the infusion – by CTG. This method is used when the woman’s cervix is soft and relatively easy to open; the uterus then indicates that it is ready for labor. If the physician has determined that the cervix is immature, induction of labor with prostaglandins is preferred. The drugs are inserted as a gel, tablet or pessary – close to the cervix. The cervix subsequently softens and opens.The first contractions occur – statistically – after about two or three hours. However, if there are no contractions, further prostaglandins are administered after six hours. Permanent monitoring by means of CTG is not necessary; the CTG is only written permanently after the first contractions have started. If the cervix is ripe, the birth process can be promoted or supported by means of labor infusions. However, if labor does not begin within 48 hours, the physician – together with the mother – must clarify whether another attempt should be made or whether induction should be paused. If the doctor determines that the child is sometimes in danger, a cesarean section is advised.
Take it easy.
Even if the induction of labor means actual stress for many women, because they imagined the birth of their child differently, the key is to stay calm. The bottom line is that induction is not an actual artificial process, but rather a support for the birth. It is important that the pregnant woman asks all the questions that are bothering her or talks to the doctor about any fears and worries. Artificial induction is not a de facto risk.
