Induction of labour

What is induction of labour? And should you be induced routinely when you are overdue? These are some of the topics addressed on this weeks blog.

What is induction of labour?

Induction of labour is a medical intervention, whereby labour is induced by artificial methods. Not to be confused with augmentation (acceleration of labour), which is introduced when labour has stalled or with slow progress.

Induction of labour is increasingly common these days with a more active management approach for post-maturity, social, other non-medical, and medical complications. However, it is important to weigh up the balance between risks and benefits of such a procedure on both you and your baby. Of course it may be a life-saving and necessary procedure on occasion, but the majority of times it is carried out on healthy women who are allegedly post mature.

An EDD or estimated date of delivery is exactly that, an estimate. Every woman and her baby are individuals and therefore if you and your baby are in good health why rush in to interfere with nature? Statistics suggest that most first time women go into labour at approximately forty-one weeks, which is a week overdue, so why the pressure for induction of labour at 12-14 days post-mature? Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that anyone should ignore medical advice when it is based on complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc.

If you decide that you want to wait and see if you go into labour naturally, I would also recommend that you have daily monitoring for yourself and your baby with a CTG (cardiotocograph) and, or ultrasound scans to check the placental flow and baby’s well-being. At the end of the day only you and your partner can make the decision whether to go ahead with a medical induction or not. I am a great believer in listening to your own instincts and intuition and acting on them.

How does natural labour differ from induced labour?

The main difference is that your body produces natural oxytocin, which is your love hormone. This hormone has emotional as well as physical effects. It allows you to achieve a euphoric and deeply relaxed state, and aids the release of endorphins (natures own pain relief), as well as regular and rhythmic contractions. With an induction of labour you are given a synthetic oxytocin infusion, which does not stimulate any of the emotional and euphoric benefits of natural oxytocin. Moreover, syntocinon-induced are different from natural contractions, and these differences are more likely to lead to a greater need for analgesia, and also a reduced blood flow to your uterus.

In summary synthetic oxytocin may cause:

• Intense and painful contractions which can come on very quickly therefore not giving your body time to adjust, with the need for more analgesia
• Contractions may be very close together with little respite between to rest and recuperate
• May increase the resting tone of your uterus which can lead overstimulation and fetal distress
• Disrupts the vital hormone balance for labour, birth and early bonding with your baby
• A cascade of intervention such as continuous fetal monitoring, epidurals, and assisted delivery of your baby
• A higher incidence of caesarean section, which is doubled for first time mums
• Higher incidence of haemorrage after your birth

So in conclusion, be prepared to negotiate induction dates with your obstetrician, most are very accommodating especially if you are prepared to have daily monitoring. Finally, listen to any relevant concerns based on medical facts and make your decision based on a combination of fact and gut instincts.