What Is An Induction And Why Is It Done?
A medical induction means stimulating the onset of labour by artificial means, generally including medications.
We only recommend inductions of labour when we have a safety concern for you or baby if the pregnancy were to
continue.
Some common reasons for induction may include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, suspected fetal
compromise, prolonged rupture of membranes, or a post-dates pregnancy.
If we are recommending an induction of labour, we will be consulting with an obstetrician. At this time, you have
an opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of a medical induction with the obstetrician as well.
How is Labour Induced?
An induction starts with the assessment of your cervix to see how ready your body is for labour. Depending on how
your body responds, an induction may involve some or all of the methods discussed below. Additionally, the length
of an induction can vary from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
Tools for induction include:
Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are commonly used to prepare your cervix for labour. They help to get your cervix to soften, thin
and open. Contractions are a common side effect of prostaglandins, and they further help your cervix to get ready
for labour. Using prostaglandins prior to using other methods of inductions has been shown to be less invasive
and decrease the need for oxytocin.
Prostaglandins are usually inserted into the vagina but also come in an oral form. Clients who require them have
their care temporarily transferred to an obstetrician. Prostaglandins are inserted at the hospital after which you
and your baby are monitored. Monitoring involves watching your blood pressure and pulse, monitoring the baby's
heart rate, and your contraction pattern. Generally, you are able to go home after this monitoring and return to the
hospital for a second dose or when labour begins. Risks of using prostaglandins include nausea and vomiting,
diarrhea and possible uterine hyperstimulation, resulting in fetal distress or uterine rupture.
Artificially Rupturing the Membranes
Artificially rupturing the membranes (“breaking the bag of waters”) can be done to stimulate labour if your cervix is
ready for labour. Studies have shown that 6080% of pregnant people will be in labour in 6 - 12 hours following rupture
of membranes. Studies have also shown that there is an increased chance of delivery within 12 - 24 hours when
oxytocin is started at the same time that the membranes are ruptured.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone, similar to the natural oxytocin hormone that your body uses to stimulate
contractions. Oxytocin is given through an IV and is most effective when the cervix is already ready for labour. While
you are given oxytocin, we continuously monitor the baby with an electronic fetal monitor. Over time, the amount of
oxytocin is slowly increased until you have strong, regular contractions that are changing your cervix. The risks
associated with oxytocin include uterine hyperstimulation with fetal compromise, uterine rupture, maternal discomfort,
or failure to progress. If the contractions are too strong for the baby or there are complications, the oxytocin can be
turned down or stopped.
If a medical induction is unsuccessful or if it causes fetal distress, a caesarean delivery is recommended.
How can I prepare to be induced?
Medical inductions are usually scheduled to begin early in the morning. You can prepare yourself by being well
rested and well hydrated and by being informed about what is going to happen at the hospital.
A medical induction means stimulating the onset of labour by artificial means, generally including medications.
We only recommend inductions of labour when we have a safety concern for you or baby if the pregnancy were to
continue.
Some common reasons for induction may include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, suspected fetal
compromise, prolonged rupture of membranes, or a post-dates pregnancy.
If we are recommending an induction of labour, we will be consulting with an obstetrician. At this time, you have
an opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of a medical induction with the obstetrician as well.
How is Labour Induced?
An induction starts with the assessment of your cervix to see how ready your body is for labour. Depending on how
your body responds, an induction may involve some or all of the methods discussed below. Additionally, the length
of an induction can vary from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
Tools for induction include:
Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are commonly used to prepare your cervix for labour. They help to get your cervix to soften, thin
and open. Contractions are a common side effect of prostaglandins, and they further help your cervix to get ready
for labour. Using prostaglandins prior to using other methods of inductions has been shown to be less invasive
and decrease the need for oxytocin.
Prostaglandins are usually inserted into the vagina but also come in an oral form. Clients who require them have
their care temporarily transferred to an obstetrician. Prostaglandins are inserted at the hospital after which you
and your baby are monitored. Monitoring involves watching your blood pressure and pulse, monitoring the baby's
heart rate, and your contraction pattern. Generally, you are able to go home after this monitoring and return to the
hospital for a second dose or when labour begins. Risks of using prostaglandins include nausea and vomiting,
diarrhea and possible uterine hyperstimulation, resulting in fetal distress or uterine rupture.
Artificially Rupturing the Membranes
Artificially rupturing the membranes (“breaking the bag of waters”) can be done to stimulate labour if your cervix is
ready for labour. Studies have shown that 6080% of pregnant people will be in labour in 6 - 12 hours following rupture
of membranes. Studies have also shown that there is an increased chance of delivery within 12 - 24 hours when
oxytocin is started at the same time that the membranes are ruptured.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone, similar to the natural oxytocin hormone that your body uses to stimulate
contractions. Oxytocin is given through an IV and is most effective when the cervix is already ready for labour. While
you are given oxytocin, we continuously monitor the baby with an electronic fetal monitor. Over time, the amount of
oxytocin is slowly increased until you have strong, regular contractions that are changing your cervix. The risks
associated with oxytocin include uterine hyperstimulation with fetal compromise, uterine rupture, maternal discomfort,
or failure to progress. If the contractions are too strong for the baby or there are complications, the oxytocin can be
turned down or stopped.
If a medical induction is unsuccessful or if it causes fetal distress, a caesarean delivery is recommended.
How can I prepare to be induced?
Medical inductions are usually scheduled to begin early in the morning. You can prepare yourself by being well
rested and well hydrated and by being informed about what is going to happen at the hospital.
