When labor is delayed for any reason, the doctor may make the decision to induce labor—a process in which your uterine contractions are stimulated to help achieve birth. There are a number of benefits associated with labor induction, but it does not come without its own risks as well.
Why Is Labor Induction Conducted?
There are plenty of situations considered by medical professionals to determine if labor induction is necessary during the pregnancy. Typically, these are the most common reasons a doctor may choose to induce labor:
- If your pregnancy has gone beyond its due date, usually by around two weeks or so
- If your water has already broken, but you have not gone into labor yet
- If you have an infection in your uterus
- If your baby’s growth is restricted, and their weight is 10 percent below expected for gestational age
- If you do not have enough amniotic fluid, also known as oligohydramnios
- If your placenta has torn away from the uterus—typically referred to as placental abruption
- If you suffer from any disorder causing high blood pressure during your pregnancy, such as preeclampsia
- If you have gestational diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease
- If there are signs of fetal distress, such as an abnormal heart rate, decreased movement, or meconium staining (the baby passing stool in the amniotic fluid)
Doctors often consider these signs that labor induction may be necessary. Labor induction can help you with a healthy and successful vaginal birth, but there are some problems that can arise as well. It is important to fully understand the risks and what is involved to make an informed decision for yourself and for your baby.
What Are the Risks of Labor Induction?
Before you accept your doctor’s decision to induce labor, it’s important to know these important facts:
- Roughly 25 percent of labor inductions can fail, resulting in you still needing a C-section.
- Medication often used to induce labor can result in a reduced oxygen supply and result in a lower-than-normal heart rate in your baby.
- If you go through membrane rupture as the form of labor induction and the rupture remains for an extended period of time, it could lead to infection.
- While rare, uterine rupture can occur during labor induction and an emergency C-section may be required.
- Labor induction can also impact your muscles’ ability to contract after birth, making serious bleeding after delivery a possibility.
The Role of Oxytocin (Pitocin) in Labor Induction
Oxytocin—a hormone naturally produced by the body to stimulate uterine contractions during labor—may be administered in its synthetic version, Pitocin, to start or strengthen contractions. Given through an IV, Pitocin helps the cervix soften, thin out, and open up, getting it ready for the baby to be born.
However, it’s important to know that Pitocin can sometimes cause complications, such as:
- Too Many Contractions: This can be risky for the baby because it might affect their heart rate and oxygen levels.
- Uterine Rupture: In rare cases, the uterus can tear, especially if the mother has had a previous C-section.
- Changes in the Mother’s Vitals: Pitocin can affect the mother’s blood pressure and heart rate.
- Water Intoxication: This is rare, but Pitocin can cause the body to retain too much water.
Because of these risks, doctors and nurses must closely watch both the mother and baby during labor induction with Pitocin.
Comparing Induced Labor vs. Natural Labor Outcomes
While both induced and natural labor aim to achieve the same goal—a healthy baby and mother—there are some differences in potential outcomes and experiences.
- C-Section Rates: Induced labor may be associated with a slightly higher likelihood of needing a Cesarean section, especially for first-time mothers. This is because induced contractions can sometimes be more intense and frequent, making it more challenging for the baby to descend through the birth canal.
- Birth Complications: While most induced labors proceed safely, there’s a slightly increased risk of certain complications, such as fetal distress, excessive uterine activity, and meconium aspiration (the baby inhaling amniotic fluid containing stool). These risks are often related to the medications used for induction and the potential for a more rapid or intense labor.
- Recovery time: Induced labor may sometimes lead to a longer recovery time, especially if complications arise or a C-section is required.
It’s important to note that these are general trends, and individual experiences can vary widely. The decision to induce labor should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, carefully weighing the potential risks and benefits.
When to Get a Second Opinion on Labor Induction
While your doctor is likely making recommendations in your best interest, it’s perfectly reasonable to seek a second opinion regarding labor induction, especially if you have any concerns or reservations. Here are some situations where seeking another perspective might be beneficial:
- Elective Induction: If your doctor recommends induction for non-medical reasons, such as convenience or scheduling, it’s wise to get a second opinion to fully understand the risks and benefits.
- Uncertainty or Discomfort: If you feel unsure about the reasons for induction or uncomfortable with the proposed methods, seeking a second opinion can help provide reassurance.
- Conflicting Information: If you’ve received conflicting information from different sources or have concerns about the risks of induction, another medical professional can provide an independent assessment.
- Lack of Trust or Communication: If you feel a lack of trust in your current provider or have difficulty communicating your concerns, it’s better to connect with a healthcare professional who you’re more comfortable with.
Remember, you have the right to be an active participant in your healthcare decisions.
If your doctor proceeds with labor induction despite your choice, or if their actions cause harm to you or your baby, you can speak with our Chicago birth injury lawyers at Beam Legal Team to determine what rights you may have to file legal action.
Contact our firm today at (866) 404-5221 to discuss your rights.
Originally published May 6, 2019.
