[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/12\/labor-induction\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/12\/labor-induction\/","headline":"Labor Induction: Understanding Why and How It\u2019s Done","name":"Labor Induction: Understanding Why and How It\u2019s Done","description":"

<\/p>","datePublished":"2024-12-09","dateModified":"2025-08-07","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1519373399.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1519373399.jpg","height":869,"width":1997},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/12\/labor-induction\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Pregnancy and Childbirth"],"wordCount":924,"articleBody":"As your pregnancy enters its third trimester, you might find yourself wondering about the possibility of labor induction.For some expectant mothers, natural labor may not occur on its own, or certain health concerns may arise that require medical intervention. Labor induction is a procedure designed to trigger the onset of labor, ensuring both the mother\u2019s and the baby’s well-being.Health care providers may recommend medically inducing labor for various reasons, including health risks to the mother or baby, or when a pregnancy extends beyond the typical duration.Understanding this process can help you feel more prepared and empowered during this crucial time in your pregnancy journey.Let\u2019s explore why pregnant people may require labor induction and what to expect from it.What Is Induced Labor? What Are Its Benefits?Induced labor, or the use of one or more methods to trigger labor and birth, has become more common among expectant mothers in recent years. A doctor may suggest a labor induction for various reasons. These can include health risks to the mother or baby, or when a pregnancy extends beyond the typical duration.Research shows that inducing labor in low-risk, healthy first-time pregnancies during the 39th week reduces the risk of serious complications. This includes fewer cesarean sections (C-sections) compared to the 41-week mark.Some pregnant people ask to schedule an induction as they enter the 39-week mark regardless of whether it\u2019s medically necessary for many reasons. Examples of these can include living far from the hospital or feeling concerned about a quick, spontaneous labor.Doctors assess whether an elected labor induction is suitable for you based on your specific circumstances.Reasons doctors may induce laborYour provider may suggest induction if you’re more than one week past your due date, or if you experience:Fetal distress \u2014 If your baby shows signs of distress or poor oxygen supply, inducing labor can help ensure a quick, safe delivery.Gestational diabetes \u2014 This can lead to complications, making induction necessary for a safer delivery.Growth restriction \u2014 If your baby isn’t growing properly, induction may prevent further complications.Health conditions \u2014 Chronic conditions, such as heart disease or kidney disease, may require induction for the mother\u2019s safety.Infection \u2014 Maternal infections, such as infection of the amniotic fluid, may require an early delivery.Low amniotic fluid \u2014 Low levels of amniotic fluid can lead to complications that might require induction.Placental issues \u2014 Conditions like placental abruption may warrant immediate delivery.Post-term pregnancy \u2014 If a pregnancy extends beyond 41 weeks, risks to both the mother and the baby may increase.Preeclampsia \u2014 This condition, characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, can pose serious risks if left untreated.Previous complications \u2014 A history of complications in past pregnancies might lead a doctor to suggest induction for safety’s sake.What Are the Risks and Complications of Induced Labor?Though complications are rare, labor induction carries certain risks your provider will discuss with you as you consider induction. Your provider will only recommend induction if they think the risks of continuing your pregnancy are greater than the risks of induction.Some risks of labor inductions include:A higher risk of your uterus rupturing due to strong contractions, which is extremely rare.An infection in the uterus.A risk that the induction won’t work to trigger labor. In this case, you’ll have to return to the hospital to try induction again or wait for spontaneous labor. Your doctor may also recommend a C-section.A slightly higher risk of excessive bleeding after birth.What to Expect During Labor InductionYou may need one or more methods to induce labor.First, you\u2019ll likely have a scheduled appointment to induce.Your doctor will check your cervix and determine the best course of action for inducing labor. They may recommend starting a labor induction while you’re at the hospital for a prenatal checkup.The labor induction process is different for everyone. It can take a few hours to a few days.There are several methods for inducing labor, including:Amniotomy \u2014 This involves breaking the amniotic sac to release amniotic fluid, which can stimulate contractions.Mechanical methods \u2014 Techniques like membrane stripping or the use of a Foley catheter can physically encourage the cervix to dilate and promote labor.Medications \u2014 Hormonal medications, such as oxytocin, can initiate contractions. Your doctor may give you a synthetic form of oxytocin through an IV. Other medications may help soften or thin the cervix.After labor induction, you could deliver your baby on the same day or the day after your labor induction. This depends on how long your labor takes.After Labor InductionAfter labor starts, the process is no different than it is for non-induced labor.You may request pain medication during your labor, like an epidural, just as you would for non-induced labor.You may also use alternative pain management methods, like water therapy and massage.Compassionate Care at UPMCUPMC offers labor induction when it will benefit your health or your baby’s health.Our labor and delivery experts explain each step of the process and support your birth plan requests whenever possible.Whether you\u2019re electing to have a labor induction or it\u2019s medically necessary, we\u2019re with you every step of the way.SourcesJournal of Midwifery & Women's Health. Review of Evidence-Based Methods for Successful Labor Induction. LinkAJOG Global Reports. Induction of labor: reviewing the past to improve the future. LinkNational Institutes of Health. Induced labor at 39 weeks may reduce likelihood of C-section, NIH study suggests. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2024","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Labor Induction: Understanding Why and How It\u2019s Done","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/12\/labor-induction\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]