| Let us first understand the term 'induce labor'. If | | | | complications. |
| you are well past your delivery date and undergo | | | | In rare cases, the induction techniques can cause |
| false labor with no signs of natural labor, then you | | | | longer or abnormal contractions that stress the |
| stand at a risk to both your self and your baby. | | | | baby. |
| At this point, your doctor can use some | | | | In some cases, the medication may cause |
| techniques to induce or start up your labor. | | | | placental abruption or uterine ruptures. |
| Reasons Behind The Need To Induce Labor: | | | | During your stay in the hospital, you will have to |
| If your water bag has already burst and still you | | | | undergo constant electronic monitoring to |
| do not show any beginning of natural labor. | | | | ascertain your contractions and the baby's |
| You are way past- say 2 weeks or so to your | | | | condition. So you may have to sit or lie still during |
| due date. | | | | the whole period. |
| If any tests show that your baby is not growing. | | | | Some techniques are touted to aid labor but they |
| If you seem to have very little amniotic fluid. | | | | haven't proven to be either safe or effective. |
| In case you have medical problems like diabetes, | | | | They are: |
| high blood pressure etc. | | | | Stimulation of your nipples might release your |
| If you already have had a case of a stillborn full | | | | body's natural oxytocin. However, it may also lead |
| term birth. | | | | to prolonged contractions that will stress your |
| Risks Involved | | | | baby. |
| Let us now take a look at the risks that may | | | | Having sex - Semen contains prostaglandin and |
| present when you decide to induce labor. | | | | your orgasm may stimulate contractions but again |
| At times, the induction fails and you would then | | | | that does not induce labor. |
| have to go in for a c-section. | | | | Taking strong laxatives like castor oil but that has |
| The process of induction is quite long-24-48 hours. | | | | also not proven effective in aiding in labor. |
| If after such a trial, you still have to go for | | | | Any herbal medication as that might contain |
| caesarean, it puts a heavy psychological toll on | | | | harmful ingredients that could affect you and the |
| you and your partner. | | | | baby. |
| A c-sec after induction has more chances of | | | | Many other situations might arise also when you |
| infection and risks to baby and mother. | | | | will not have the need to induce labor and will |
| A much longer hospital stay and higher rates of | | | | have to get a c-sec immediately. |