Risks and Precautions
Inducing labor is not like turning on a faucet. If the body isn't ready, an induction
might fail and, after hours or days of trying, a woman may end up having a cesarean
delivery (C-section). This appears to be more likely if the cervix is not yet ripe.
If the doctor ruptures the amniotic sac and labor doesn't begin, another method
of inducing labor also might be necessary because there's a risk of infection to both
mother and baby if the membranes are ruptured for a long time before the baby is born.
When prostaglandin or oxytocin is used, there is a risk of abnormal contractions
developing. In that case, the doctor may remove the vaginal insert or turn the oxytocin
dose down. While it is rare, there is an increase in the risk of developing a tear
in the uterus (uterine rupture) when these medications are used. Other complications
associated with oxytocin use are low blood pressure and low blood sodium (which can
cause problems such as seizures).
Another potential risk of inducing labor is giving birth to a late pre-term baby
(born after 34 and before 37 weeks). Why? Because the due date (EDD) may be wrong.
Your due date is 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).
Babies born late pre-term are generally healthy but may have temporary problems
such as jaundice, trouble feeding, problems with breathing, or difficulty maintaining
body temperature. They may also be more likely than full term babies to have developmental
or school problems later on.
Even though inductions do come with risks, going beyond 42 weeks of pregnancy can
be risky, too. Many babies are born "post-term" without any complications, but concerns
include:
- A vaginal delivery may become harder as the baby gets bigger. As babies get bigger,
the chance of an injury during delivery, such as a broken bone, increases.
- The placenta that helps to provide the baby with nourishment is deteriorating.
- The amniotic fluid can become low or contain meconium — the baby's first
feces. If the baby breathes in meconium,
it can cause breathing problems.
Old wives' tales abound about ways to induce labor, such as the use of castor oil.
It is not safe to try to artificially start labor yourself by taking castor oil, which
can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. And herbs and herbal supplements meant
to induce labor can be harmful. Breast stimulation can cause uterine contractions
by causing the release of oxytocin. However, some studies have suggested that
the baby might have abnormal heartbeats after breast stimulation. Some women feel
that having sex in late pregnancy can induce labor, but there is no conclusion on
this yet.
Talk to your doctor before doing anything to try to encourage your little one's
arrival. Inducing labor is best left to medical professionals — you may cause
more harm than good.
As frustrating as it can be waiting for your baby to finally decide to arrive,
letting nature take its course is often best, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Before you know it, you'll be too busy to remember your baby was ever late at all!