Labor induction
Labor induction is artificially stimulating childbirth.
Medical uses
Commonly accepted medical reasons for induction include:
Postterm pregnancy, i.e. if the pregnancy has gone past the end of the 41st week.
Intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).
There are health risks to the woman in continuing the pregnancy (e.g. she has pre-eclampsia).
Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM); this is when the membranes have ruptured, but labor does not start within a specific amount of time.
Premature termination of the pregnancy (abortion).
Fetal death in utero and previous history of stillbirth.
Twin pregnancy continuing beyond 38 weeks.
Previous health conditions that puts risk on the woman and/or her child such as diabetes, high blood pressure
Induction of labor in those who are either at or after term improves outcomes for the baby and decreases the number of C-sections performed.
Methods of induction
Methods of inducing labor include both pharmacological medication and mechanical or physical approaches.