Induced Childbirth: What Is It?

Induced labor is more common than you might think, so here we provide information on what it is and when to recommend it.

First of all, if you are pregnant you have probably wondered, does an induced childbirth hurt more? Is it harder to recover from? Keep reading to get the answer to these questions.

The myths about induced childbirth can often create misunderstandings. A natural birth is always better, but sometimes you have to induce childbirth to avoid complications for you or your baby. When childbirth does not start naturally, medical advances can take over to start the important process of helping your baby be born.

Induced labor is a medical procedure that triggers contractions. These open up the birth canal and help the baby to pass through it.

What is induced childbirth? Steps to follow

The first thing you need to do is verify that the amniotic sac has ruptured. If it does not have it, one way to initiate the process is to let the delivery staff pierce it.  The baby’s head can then sink through the birth canal and put pressure on itself.

They will also look at the cervix. If it is open, they give you intravenous oxytocin and increase the dose until you have regular contractions, just like what would happen during a natural birth.

If the cervix does not dilate, they must use prostaglandins, which they administer vaginally. Prostaglandins help to soften and enlarge the cervix. If you still do not get contractions, they will continue with oxytocin.

When the cervix has opened sufficiently , they continue with the same protocol as in a natural birth.

When is induced labor recommended?

The main reason to induce childbirth is when you are worried that a natural birth can be dangerous.

There are several reasons that can lead to this decision:

• Prolonged pregnancy.
• The amniotic sac is missing, but no contractions occur.
• If there is a possible infection in the amniotic fluid.
• If the placenta has loosened.
• Fetal injuries.
• If the mother suffers from a chronic illness of some kind, such as diabetes, kidney problems or lung disease.

Your doctor will warn you about the possibility of inducing childbirth and also tell you about the benefits and risks associated with it.

Natural childbirth vs. induced

Many women are afraid of induced childbirth because they believe it can cause more complications than a natural childbirth. But this has no real basis.

• Induced labor initiates the process, but does not control it. When the pain is running, you are free to decide if you want an epidural or not, and you will also experience childbirth just as other women do.
• It is true that intravenous oxytocin can make your contractions more painful. This causes many women who are induced to choose an epidural.
• Some say that episiotomies are more common in induced labor, but this is not true.
• One of the risks of induced childbirth is that the baby does not enter the birth canal, and this can lead to birth defects. In this case, the delivery staff will probably choose to perform a caesarean section, to ensure the well-being of the mother and child.

Finally, remember that maternity staff will be by your side at all times to help you. You can ask them about anything you are worried about. And remember, as long as an induced birth occurs without complications, recovery will resemble a natural birth.