No one ever thinks about inducing labor until the child decides that they just don’t want to come out and see the world. Sometimes inducing labor happens before the two week waiting period because of a specific health condition that could be potentially harmful to the child. On the other hand, inducing labor increases the risks of needing a C-section to successfully deliver the baby, which increases overall recovery times.
Here Are the Pros of Inducing Labor
Inducing labor is often done because it is in the best interest of the child being born. There are several health issues that might cause a doctor to induce labor. One of the most common reasons is that your water may have broken, but you’re not feeling any contractions as of yet. Because the water has broken, the child is at a higher risk of developing health issues and may suffer from oxygen deprivation while in the womb.
Labor induction also happens if there are specific health issues that a continued pregnancy may create greater health risks to the mother. Two of the most common issues are high blood pressure and diabetes. By inducing labor, it reduces the risks of a severe complication occurring during the delivery process.
Another reason why labor may be induced is because of a problem with the placenta. Whether the placenta has prematurely detached from the inner wall of the uterus or it has begun to deteriorate, this is what is keeping the baby going and if it isn’t doing what it needs to do, the baby has a better chance of survival by being born.
Here Are the Cons of Inducing Labor
One of the biggest risks of inducing labor is to have a premature delivery of the baby. Though for babies that have gone out to 42 weeks this isn’t much of an issue, a premature delivery before 36 weeks can lead to health concerns for the baby – especially breathing problems. This can then create a longer hospital stay after birth for the child.
Inducing labor can also cause the umbilical cord to drop prematurely into the vagina before delivery, which can cause breathing problems for the infant during the birthing process because in these circumstances, it is easily compressed. This can also lead to a greater risk of infection, though if an infection is already present, these risks are tempered.
The final issue with inducing labor is that bleeding can become an issue. Because the muscles do not contract as they would under normal circumstances, clotting and bleeding can lead to further health complications.
Is Inducing Labor the Right Choice?
You can request to have your doctor to induce labor, but it is a mutual decision that is made between your team and yourself. In some cases, such as going out to 42 weeks, inducing labor becomes necessary. In most circumstances, it is done to preserve the greatest amount of health for the mother and the child. If you believe it may be necessary, talk with your doctor today.
