WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

When and Why Labor is Induced

When and Why Labor is Induced
As you approach the final stages of pregnancy, the possibility of labor induction might be a topic of discussion with your healthcare provider.
Inducing labor involves stimulating contractions before they begin naturally, and understanding when and why it's recommended is crucial for making informed decisions.
This guide aims to help you navigate the considerations surrounding labor induction.
Understand the Basics of Labor Induction
Labor induction is a medical procedure that stimulates the uterus to start labor. It’s typically considered when there are health risks for the mother or baby if pregnancy continues, or if labor doesn’t start naturally by a certain point.
Key Considerations for Labor Induction
  • Medical Necessity: Circumstances like overdue pregnancy, water breaking without labor, or health concerns for mother and baby can necessitate induction.
  • Your Preferences: Your birth plan and personal preferences play a role in deciding if and when to induce labor.
  • Readiness of the Body: Healthcare providers assess the readiness of the cervix and overall conditions favorable for labor before recommending induction.
Discuss With Your Healthcare Provider
  • Timing: When is induction recommended in my case? What are the risks of waiting for natural labor?
  • Methods: What methods of induction are available, and how do they work?
  • Monitoring: How will my baby and I be monitored during induction?
Be Informed About Induction Methods
  • Medications: Such as prostaglandins to ripen the cervix or oxytocin to stimulate contractions.
  • Mechanical Methods: Like membrane stripping or using a balloon catheter.
Be Flexible
Every birth is unique, and while induction might be planned, the actual process can vary.
Be prepared to adapt your plan based on how you and your baby respond to induction.
Q&As
  • Is labor induction safe? Labor induction is generally safe when performed for the right reasons and under medical supervision, but like any medical procedure, it carries risks.
  • Will induction make labor more painful? Some women report more intense contractions with induced labor, but pain management options are available.
  • How long does induced labor last? The duration varies. Some inductions lead to quick labor, while others may take longer to progress.
Induced labor is a common practice with specific indications.
Discuss thoroughly with your healthcare provider, weigh the pros and cons, and consider your personal preferences to make a well-informed decision that best suits your and your baby’s health needs.
Remember, flexibility and open communication with your healthcare team are key to navigating this aspect of childbirth.
Dig deeper
L
Leanna
18 Dec 2023

All the ladies who have been induced and went into labor naturally, did the induced labor take longer or hurt more? I'm considering being induced on the 30th if baby girl hasn't come yet but I'm scared.

10 comments
D
Darla
To me, the medicated induction hurts way more
27 Mar 2024

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L
Leanna
did you get an epidural?
27 Mar 2024

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k
kaya Smith
27 Sep 2023

Just came from my doctors appointment and everything is good and I’m still only 2cm and I am having an induced labor Tuesday oct 3rd at 8:00am

2 comments
A
Asia
Me too. Hope she comes before then. I'm tired 😩
27 Mar 2024

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J
Julie
Good luck!
27 Mar 2024

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C
Christy
27 Aug 2023

I'm 37 weeks and 2 days and have a lot of pain in my back and vaginal area and lots of pressure. Is that a sign that labor is approaching? I had to be induced with my first so my body never went into labor by itself.

7 comments
H
Heather
The baby drops around 37 weeks so what you’re feeling is normal for the last few weeks. Watch for losing your mucous plug, contractions, and your water breaking. Trust your body mama you’ll be fine.
27 Mar 2024

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C
Christy
thank you so much!!! ❤️🥰
27 Mar 2024

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A
Autumn
23 Jul 2023

What are your experiences with Induced labor?? Any moms have natural and an induced? Is induced really more painful? Got the news they want to induce me at 39 weeks and I’m so nervous! #induce #inducedlabor #39weeks

6 comments
H
Holly
Yes induction is a bit more painful .... because it is forcing your body into labor instead of it doing it naturally
27 Mar 2024

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A
Autumn
Ugh thank you. I was already terrified about labor in general now reading it’s more painful I’m like 😭😭😭 why’d i have to get gestational diabetes lol
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kiarra
15 Jul 2023

I’m getting induced labor at 39 weeks and 1 day! I’m scared it’s literally in 1 week and 5 more days!! Is there anything I should be afraid of?

3 comments
R
Renata
Nope, i love being induced to be honest 😩 my doctor be having that epidural on standby for when them contractions start coming. I got induced with my last three kids and i giggle pushing all them out, didn’t feel a thing. And I’m getting induced with this baby in 12days. Getting induced to me is kinda laid back 🥰
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kiarra
Omg that sounds so relieving compared to what ppl was telling me 😅
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sarah
12 Jul 2023

I'm on the fence about whether I should ask my Dr if I can be induced when it's time my fiance is a fisherman and on trips a lot and I don't want him to miss it and he would love it if I was induced so he knows exactly when to take a few weeks off but I really wanna be surprised when I go into labor I don't know why lol guese I just want the experience of going into labor naturally since this is my first baby but I also don't want him to miss it and if things go fast he would miss everything and I don't want anyone else in the room but him even if he's not here what does everything think should I be induced? Or take the risk? Also afraid of going into labor early before an induction date and him not being around I don't know why I feel this way but I think I'll be mad if he misses the birth even though I know it wouldn't be his fault think it's the hormones

7 comments
S
Sarah
my baby has a 2 vessel cord and I have a high risk pregnancy because I have high risk asthma and I'm in my 3rd trimester and recently had COVID so I think they'll probably induce me if I wanted especially because of my asthma
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittany
12 Mar 2023

Update: my labor is starting and stopping… this is why I’m getting induced. Baby girl In wrong postiton so all my contractions and all this pain does Nothing to my cervix 😩 I can’t dilate… they are trying to induce me but I’m sheduled for a c-section in case it fails 🥹😢

4 comments
C
Charlie
Are they trying to induce you today? 😊
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittany
No so far it stopped
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mariah
2 Nov 2022

Has anyone got induce labor before ? Like what can I expect because I’m so nervous only reason why I’m getting induced at 39 weeks because of fetal growth restriction and they it’s better if give birth early

3 comments
K
Krys
There’s quite a few moms on here that got inductions due to fetal growth restriction. I don’t remember all of their names but hopefully they will see your post and comment. Many had successful inductions, while some had inductions that led to a c section.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mariah
I don’t want a c section at all I hope all goes well
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
15 Oct 2022

Getting induced on the 25th and I’m freaking out I’m so scared lol. I’m hoping I go into labor before then.

5 comments
R
Rachael
Don’t be scared! I was induced with my son 9 years ago and everything went fine! You got this
27 Mar 2024

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s
shy
I was induced 8 days ago. Best experience . I had the epidural but everything was literally under control thank God. Just think, your getting closer to seeing your beautiful baby
27 Mar 2024

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