If your obstetrician has mentioned labor induction, you probably have questions. Labor induction is the process of using medical techniques to start labor before it begins on its own. It is one of the most common procedures in obstetrics, and understanding why it happens and what it involves can help you feel more prepared as your due date approaches.
When Induction Is Medically Necessary
There are several reasons your provider may recommend inducing labor rather than waiting for it to start naturally. The most common reason is a pregnancy that lasts beyond your due date. Pregnancies that extend beyond 41 weeks carry a higher risk of complications for both mom and baby, including problems with the placenta and decreased amniotic fluid.
Other medical reasons for induction include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes that is difficult to manage, low amniotic fluid levels, and concerns about the baby’s growth. In these situations, delivering the baby sooner is safer than continuing the pregnancy. Your provider will weigh the risks and benefits based on your specific health situation before making a recommendation.
Some patients request an elective induction, meaning there is no urgent medical reason to be induced, but they would prefer a scheduled delivery. Current guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists support elective induction at or after 39 weeks for eligible patients, as research has shown it does not increase the rate of cesarean delivery in this group.
How Labor Induction Works
There are a few different methods your doctor may use to start labor, and sometimes more than one method is used together.
