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Dwelling on the impending labor is something that most expectant mommies do, at least 25 times in a day. When you’re nearing the end of the term, and your doctor suggests inducing labor, you’re probably not going to take that well. But, don’t worry. Around 20% pregnancies end with artificially-induced labor.
You can always get a second opinion. But before you do that, consider asking your OB/GYN these simple questions:
1. Why induce labor?
While the thought of artificially inducing labor may be scary for you, Dr. Akua Afriyie-Gray, assistant professor at the Loyola Health System, says that you need to understand why your doctor feels the need to induce labor artificially. While artificially-induced labor is a procedure that doctors suggest late in the pregnancy, the chances of health complications, like eclampsia, preeclampsia, diabetes and hypertension only increase.
“As you reach 42 weeks of gestation, your OB/GYN may suggest induction because of fetal size (fetal macrosomia), high risk of stillbirth, difficult vaginal delivery, difficult for the placenta to nourish the fetus, and risk of meconium aspiration,” says Dr. Afriyie-Gray.
2. When is labor induced?
According to National Health Service UK, doctor’s shouldn’t consider artificially-induced labor until the woman is in her 40th week unless medical reasons force the doctor’s hand.
3. The process?
There are many ways that labor could be induced. But, pregnancies are unique to every woman, and what worked for someone else, wouldn’t work for you. Always opt for a natural method.
According to a study at the University of North Carolina, women who undergo acupuncture sessions have a higher chance of going to labor than woman who needed a medical ‘push’.
However, you may not need needles sticking out of your back after all. In some cases, merely breaking the water can trigger labor.
4. How safe is it?
Before medical science became what it is today, doctor’s would routinely perform episiotomies or incisions on the perineum (or the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus). However, this procedure can be forgone in most cases, save special ones like a large infant.
Your OB/GYN will know all about your medical history and will make her decision based on this. There are some cases in which the induction could be recommended, including transverse fetal position, umbilical cord prolapse, previous myomectomy.
5. Can you avoid it?
The choice shall always be yours. But, when it can’t be helped, or if the benefits of inducing labor trump the risk of infection to your unborn, you should consider it. Be judicious, but be smart as well. Happy motherhood.
