Usually, when labor needs to be induced, the woman is given oxytocin, a medication that makes the uterus contract more frequently and more forcefully. The oxytocin given is identical to the natural oxytocin produced by the pituitary gland. It is given intravenously with an infusion pump, so that the amount of medication given can be controlled precisely.
Before contractions of the uterus can be induced, the cervix must be thinned (effaced) and ready to open (dilate) so that the baby can be delivered. Several techniques can be used to help the cervix efface and dilate:
A prostaglandin (a hormone-like compound such as misoprostol) may be given vaginally.
A thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon attached can be inserted into the cervix. The balloon is inflated to put gentle pressure on and thus dilate the cervix.
Dried seaweed stems (laminaria) may be inserted into the cervix. The laminaria absorb fluids and then expand, thus dilating the cervix.
Reasons to induce labor include
Sometimes labor is induced for reasons unrelated to a health issue. For example, labor may be induced when a woman has a history of rapid deliveries. In such cases, inducing labor means that a woman can arrive at the hospital or birthing center in time to deliver the baby.
Labor is not induced in the following circumstances:
Women have had certain types of surgery involving the uterus or certain types of cesarean deliveries Cesarean Delivery .
The fetus is in an abnormal position Fetal Presentation, Position, and Lie (Including Breech Presentation) During pregnancy, the fetus can be positioned in many different ways inside the mother's uterus. The fetus may be head up or down or facing the mother's back or front. At first, the fetus can... read more or is too large.
The placenta is in the wrong position (placenta previa Placenta Previa Placenta previa is attachment (implantation) of the placenta over the opening of the cervix, in the lower rather than the upper part of the uterus. Women may have painless, sometimes profuse... read more or vasa previa Vasa Previa In vasa previa, membranes that contain blood vessels connecting the umbilical cord and placenta lie across or near the opening of the cervix—the entrance to the birth canal. Vasa previa may... read more ).
Throughout induction and labor, the fetus’s heart rate is monitored electronically.
If induction is unsuccessful, the baby is delivered by cesarean.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Childbirth Connection: This web site provides tips for having a healthy baby and safe birth. The importance of medical care before, during, and after birth is emphasized.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
---|---|
oxytocin |
Pitocin |
misoprostol |
Cytotec |