Choosing induction can be a difficult decision. But regardless of what brought you to this decision your baby will be in your arms soon! Here are some helpful tips and ideas to help your induction be as smooth as possible. I will also give basic info, risks, and benefits on each possible induction method to help you navigate conversations with your care provider. Always remember there are two kinds of risk to discuss with your provider:
1. Relative risk: The risk that the procedure or condition holds for the general population.
2. Actual risk: the risks that it poses to you specifically.
Always use the B.R.A.I.N steps when discussing any of your options with your care provider.
More labor help techniques at the bottom of the page!
Membrane Sweep
– This is where your care provider will insert a finger and separate your baby’s sac from the wall of the uterus. Basically stirring the pot to agitate your body into labor.
– Benefits: Carries very low risks compared to other methods, lowers your risk of stronger induction methods, and does not cause abnormally strong contractions.
– Risks: Infection, excessive vaginal bleeding, and the unintended rupture of the amniotic sac.
– This is not a strong method so it is possible that it will not work. If you choose this method doing deep lunges, breast pumping or nipple stimulation, and relaxing can help it be more effective.
Foley bulb
– Foley Bulb is a great induction method because it can be stopped as easily as it is started. Whereas with chemical induction methods you have to wait for the effects to wear off in your system.
– Along with the foley bulb you can do breast pumping, lunges, and upright positions to help it along.
– Benefits: It is easy to start and stop, it is a more mild form of induction.
– Risks: Discomfort with inserting and possible with it while it is in.
Prostaglandin
– This is a synthetic oxytocin gel that is applied to your cervix.
– With this method you cannot choose to discontinue but have to wait for the effects to wear off.
– Benefits: The contractions should begin slowly, and you may be able to go back home for a few hours after the gel has been put in place. In some women, prostaglandin gel alone can be enough to stimulate the cervix to open
– Risks: Uterine hyperstimulation and possible fetal distress.
– If you are wanting a natural labor be proactive at managing the contractions during the early labor. The practice will help as they get more intense. Deep breathing at the start, during, and after contractions. Choose positions that are comfortable for you.
Cytotec or Misoprostol
– This is a pill that is taken or inserted into the vagina. It is known to make stronger than natural contractions and can raise your risk of uterine abruption according to The Chochrane Library.
– Go over dosing and whether inserting or ingesting is best for your circumstances.
– If you are wanting a natural labor be proactive at managing the contractions during the early labor. The practice will help as they get more intense. Deep breathing at the start, during, and after contractions. Choose positions that are comfortable for you.
– Benefits: In most cases, Cytotec is a safe and reliable medication that can make labor easier for women when administered correctly.
– Uterine hyperstimulation. Rupture or perforation requiring uterine surgical repair. Hysterectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy.
Pitocin
– Pitocin is introduced through an IV. It can be given in low doses to begin with.
– Pitocin can be turned off but it does take some time to work out of your system.
– Ask your doctor about doing low doses and then ceasing it when contractions are regular.
– Pitocin increases general risks of uterine rupture, Epidural use, and Postpartum Depression. So discuss with your provider what the actual risk for you is and how to be prepared for it.
– If you are wanting a natural labor be proactive at managing the contractions during the early labor. The practice will help as they get more intense. Deep breathing at the start, during, and after contractions. Choose positions that are comfortable for you.
Breaking Your Water
– This is often used as a method of induction or augmentation of labor. A plastic hook will be inserted and used to snag the membrane of your baby’s sac and tear a hole in it.
– Breaking waters will make your contractions very strong, it also might make them feel more painful because you loose the cushion of the waters to soften the intensity of the contractions.
– If you choose this method make sure that you have been in a good pattern of managing the contractions if you’re augmenting. If you are inducing, after the bag of waters is broken, be very proactive on contraction management to handle the extra intensity.
Helping Labor Along!
