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Labor Induction: Is it a healthy option?
by Kelly Camden, BA, CD(DONA)
Waiting for a baby to come can be challenging; swelling feet, heavy belly, aching back,
mind wondering, "When will labor start?" In moments like these, inducing labor may sound
like a wonderful idea. During a prenatal visit, Pitocin Induction may be presented as something
that only mildly changes a mother's experience of birth. She may not be aware of the risks involved, or
understand the benefits of waiting for her body to begin labor on it's own.
While a mother is expecting her care provider to practice medicine based on
studies and statistics, it would be difficult for her to imagine that care
provider recommending an induction of labor without having a sound medical
reason for doing so. However, across the country, this has become increasingly
common. In some practices, the induction is scheduled simply because a woman is
still pregnant at her "due date." The myth about inductions is that a mother
and baby can be kept healthy by trying to control labor. In most instances, the
risks involved with the use of Pitocin outweigh the potential benefits. When the
subject of induction arises, it's time to consider all of the facts.
Intravenously receiving Pitocin, a synthetic hormone, is one way to induce
labor. Oxytocin is the hormone that is produced by the body during labor. When
a woman receives the synthetic hormone through an IV, the dosage is much higher
than that which would be produced by her body. The dosage is usually increased
every half hour.
No longer able to eat, drink, go for a walk, use a bath or shower for pain
relief, or freely assume any labor position.
Different labor pattern: The higher levels of Pitocin in the bloodstream
often cause contractions to be longer and stronger than during a spontaneous
labor.
 Use an Informed Decision Making Process! Parents need to gather information
and weigh the pros and cons of induction before they can decide if it is right
for them.
Continuous monitoring is required while using Pitocin, therefore labor
positions are restricted to those that allow baby to be monitored
easily. Normally, intermittent monitoring is sufficient, however, the
intense contractions of induced labor may decrease the "flow of oxygen-rich blood
through the placenta to the fetus" (Gaskin, 210), therefore, the baby
is "watched" closely.
Tendency for fetal distress and hyperstimulation of the uterus increase, as
does the use of the vaccum, forceps and cesarean birth.
Indications for induction: "cancer, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease,
small for dates baby, decrease in amniotic fluid, or intrauterine death
followed by a long wait for labor to begin" (Gaskin, 207).
Other methods of encouraging labor include: nipple stimulation, acupuncture
treatments, herbs, castor oil, sex and sweeping the membranes. It may be
useful to research these options online, then take that information to a
prenatal visit for discussion with your care provider.
National Statistics: The "U.S. Induction rate doubled between 1989 and 1998
(from 9 percent to 19.8 percent) and is apparently still rising"(Gaskin, 207). However,
during the last 15 years, medical indications for induction, true health issues
for mother and baby, have not risen to create a need for doubling the number
of inductions.
Potential questions about induction:
How does inducing labor benefit me and my baby?
What potential risks are involved in this procedure?
What other methods can I try first?
How long can I wait for labor to begin on its own?
If we induce labor, what other procedures may administered as part of our care?
What position is my baby in now? How low is the baby?
Is my cervix beginning to change on its own?
Where can I find more information about induction?
Can I have some time to think this through?
It may be important to consider the position of the baby and any changes that
are happening in the cervix. Inductions begin before the baby or the mother's
body is ready for labor. When the baby is not aligned properly, therefore not
putting pressure on the cervix, or when the mother's cervix is closed and
long, induction can be slow and sometimes unsuccessful. Some mothers spend
several days in the hospital before their labor becomes active and their baby
is born.
Approximately 20-30% of mothers in America are being induced. The World Health
Organization is calling for a decrease in the number of inductions. For optimal
outcomes, the induction rate should not be greater than 10% in any region.
More information on inducing labor:
www.Lamaze.org
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities by Henci Goer
Kelly Camden is a mother of two boys who were born at home.
She has been supporting women during hospital and home births since 1999.
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