Pregnant women hear many false rumors about Induced Labor. Is it really harmful? When is it necessary?


What is Induced Labor?

In vitro labor, or induction of labor, is the process of artificially stimulating uterine contractions to initiate labor (natural childbirth). It is used instead of waiting for labor to begin naturally, and it is recommended only if there is a valid medical reason, for fear of the health of the mother or the child. (1)


How is Induced Labor performed?

Depending on the need of each case, the doctor uses one or more types of Induced Labor, which are: (1)


  • Induced Labor Injection: An oxytocin injection is administered intravenously. Oxytocin is the same natural hormone that stimulates uterine contractions in the body.


  • Manual Induction: The doctor may manually tear the membranes surrounding the fetus to promote labor initiation, in some cases in conjunction with an Induced Labor Injection.


  • Induced Labor Suppositories (Cervical dilation): These vaginal suppositories are used before the induced Labor injection when the cervix is closed or not sufficiently dilated. They contain prostaglandin, a hormone crucial for softening and dilating the cervix, preparing it for labor. Prostaglandin may also be given as oral tablets or vaginal gel. In other cases, a special balloon may be used to dilate the cervix. (This step is unnecessary if the cervix is already open and soft enough).


When is Induced Labor given to pregnant women?

Induced Labor is given to pregnant women only in certain cases, when the continuation of the pregnancy poses a potential risk to the mother or the fetus, in these cases: (2) (3)


  • Passing the Due Date by a Week or More (more than 41 weeks).
  • Rupture of the Amniotic Sac without Natural Labor.
  • Concerns for the Mother or Baby's Health, Such As:

○ Significant decrease in fetal movement, changes in heart rate, or growth issues within the womb.

○ Maternal health complications like hypertension, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia.

○ Placental insufficiency or problems.

○ Chronic maternal conditions, such as heart, lung, or kidney diseases.

                                                                                                    

What Are the Risks of Induced Labor?

In general, induced labor is safe in both the short and long term, and it can even save the lives of the mother and baby when necessary. (3)


However, induced labor may carry some potential risks, the most significant of which is hyperstimulation of the uterus when using oxytocin injections. This can cause frequent and closely spaced uterine contractions, which may affect the baby's heart rate. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the oxytocin dose or stop it altogether and may resort to other treatments to stabilize the baby's heart rate. (3)


Some other complications may occur in a few cases, and are often caused by health conditions that existed before pregnancy, or appeared during it, and these complications include: (3)


  • Inflammation of the placenta, the amniotic fluid, or the fetal membranes.
  • Transmission of infection to the fetus.
  • Uterine rupture in very rare cases.


To help reduce the possibility of these complications, the doctor usually monitors the fetal heart rate and the strength of uterine contractions electronically during labor and makes any necessary adjustments.




With Al-Ahli Hospital, you are in safe hands! Contact us to ask any questions or concerns you have, you can discuss with our doctors the benefits and risks of Induced Labor for your condition, and then suggest what is most appropriate for you.



Cases in which Induced Labor is prohibited

The doctor may recommend waiting for labor to start naturally or resorting to a cesarean section in cases where Induced Labor is contraindicated, which are: (2)(3)


  • Previous caesarean section.
  • Previous uterine surgery.
  • Breech or lateral fetal position.
  • Placenta previa.
  • Umbilical cord prolapse.
  • Serious health complications for the mother or fetus.
  • The mother has an active vaginal herpes infection.


Frequently asked questions

Is Induced Labor pain stronger than natural labor?

Induced labor may be stronger than natural labor because contractions start more quickly and intensely. However, this does not apply to all women; some may feel there is no difference between them. Generally, labor pain can vary from one woman to another and even from one pregnancy to another in the same woman. Epidurals are available in most hospitals to alleviate labor pain (whether induced or natural). (4)


Is Induced Labor the reason for caesarean section?

Contrary to rumors, induced labor does not increase the likelihood of a cesarean section. There are usually other unrelated reasons that prompted the doctor to resort to a cesarean section.. (3)


On the contrary, some studies indicate that Induced Labor may reduce the likelihood of a cesarean section in some cases. (5)


What Are the Side Effects of Induction Suppositories?

Most side effects caused by induction suppositories are mild and include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and slight abdominal pain. These side effects are uncommon in the majority of cases. (6)


References