| There are several reasons why a doctor might | | | | using Prepidil Gel and Cervidil. In most cases this is |
| choose to induce labor during a woman's pregnancy. | | | | done the day before induction. This is done in the |
| This article will discuss safe methods of inducing labor | | | | hospital so that the baby can be monitored. |
| and the reasons why it is practiced. | | | | If labor is induced first the cervix is ripened and then |
| Inducing labor is fairly common. If it is more risky for the | | | | the doctor will give you oxytocin (Pitocin) intravenously. |
| woman to stay pregnant than delivering the baby then | | | | Oxytocin is a hormone that causes contractions. A |
| the pregnancy may be induced. Approximately | | | | pump connected to the IV controls the amount you |
| 450,000 births are induced. The reasons vary from | | | | are given. This medication is increased gradually until |
| overdue babies, chronic high blood pressure in the | | | | contractions begin. You will be monitored while |
| mother, pre-clampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine- | | | | receiving this so that you don't get too much of it. You |
| growth restriction and Rh- isoimmonization. | | | | will also be monitored for your baby's reaction to your |
| If your doctor is considering inducing your labor at your | | | | labor. |
| next visit he will probably do a pelvic exam. This will | | | | The medication will help start contractions so you can |
| include an evaluation of how ready you are for an | | | | go into labor. Each woman's labor is different. It might |
| induction. The Bishop score might be used to | | | | take longer for one woman to go through the process |
| determine whether or not you are ready to be | | | | from the ripening of the cervix to the birth of her baby |
| induced. The doctor will look at dilation, effacement, | | | | than another woman. |
| station, consistency and position of the cervix. This | | | | Inducing labor also does not guarantee a vaginal |
| helps the doctor to decide if he should induce labor. | | | | delivery. In some instances, the induction doesn't work. |
| Sometimes doctors will ripen the cervix before labor is | | | | When that happens a C-section is usually necessary. |
| induced. This means that medication is used to help the | | | | If your labor is induced I hope this information will help |
| cervix soften, thin and dilate. | | | | you understand the reasons why and how it is done. |
| The two most common ways doctors do this is by | | | | |