Labor Induction Procedure

At Banner Health our goal is to work with you to create the best birthing experience possible. Part of that process may include labor induction. Rest assured that we are here to help you every step of the way and help prepare what to expect during a labor induction.

What Is Labor Induction?

Labor induction is a medical process for starting or speeding up labor. It's often recommended when if there are concerns about the pregnant mother or baby’s health, like decreased amniotic fluid or changes in fetal heart rate. 

Reasons for Labor Induction

Labor induction may be recommended if the health of the mother or baby is at risk. Reasons may include:

• You’re two or more weeks past your due date. This is known as a post term pregnancy at 42 weeks from the day of the last period. 
• If your water breaks but labor doesn't start, induction might be necessary to reduce the risk of infection.
• Gestational diabetes
• You have placental abruption – your placenta has peeled away from the uterus
• Other medical conditions such as an infection, high blood pressure disorders or kidney disease

If labor is induced for non-medical reasons it is called an elective induction. Banner Health doctors are careful about elective inductions. We believe that, in most cases, it’s best for babies to be born as close to their due dates as possible. 

Our doctors follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. These guidelines outline the standards for elective inductions. Generally, you must be at 39 or more weeks of gestation, and your cervix must be soft and dilated.

What to Expect

There are several different methods used to induce labor.

• Ripening the cervix - A dose of prostaglandin is inserted vaginally or given by mouth. This is typically done overnight to help “soften” or thin out the cervix.
• Breaking your water (amniotomy) - Your doctor will rupture the amniotic sac using a small plastic hook. 
• Stripping the membranes - Using his or her finger, your doctor will manually thin out the membrane connecting to the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus.
• Pitocin administration: Using synthetic oxytocin (hormones) through an IV to induce contractions. 

Labor Induction Risk Factors and Side Effects

While induction often succeeds, it can increase risks, especially if your cervix isn't ready. Potential complications include:

• Failed induction: Leading to cesarean delivery.
• Prolonged labor: Increasing fatigue and discomfort.
• Increased use of instruments: Like forceps or vacuum.
• Uterine hyperstimulation: Causing excessive contractions.
• Infection: For mother or baby.
• Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after delivery.

If you have a successful vaginal delivery after induction, chances are there will be no risks for future pregnancies.

Discuss labor induction with your Banner Health doctor to weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation, and how it may affect your labor and delivery plan.