Induced labor is a process by which doctors stimulate the onset of labor in overdue women or whose pregnancies are deemed at risk. There are several reasons why induced labor may be recommended, including prior stillbirths, severe hypertension, and low birth weight. One of the main risks associated with induced labor is potential fetal distress resulting from rapid cervical dilation and subsequent delivery. However, this can often be avoided by closely monitoring conditions such as amniotic fluid levels and the baby’s heart rate during the induction process. There are both pros and cons of being induced to consider given the health of the mother and the baby.
Medical sciences have advanced and resultantly, many women prefer being induced before going into labor. Doctors increasingly induce women over 41 weeks pregnant to minimize the risk of perinatal mortality. Inducing labor after 37 weeks also lowers the danger of complications, especially when a mother has existing health issues such as hypertension.
According to a report published in August 2020, the rate of induced labor has from 9.6% (1990) to 27.5%% (2018). So many women choose this method for safe delivery, and many other pros of being induced. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider it.
Due to the age factor, inducing labor is often recommended for women over 41 weeks pregnant to lower the risk of perinatal mortality. According to study, 33.1% of the cohort of 77,327 nulliparous women aged 35 to 50 years that gave birth to a singleton infant were induced in labor, which was more than among those who did not have labor induced: older and with pregnancy medical issues.
Caesarean delivery rates are significantly lower when labor is induced, most likely because a large baby is less likely to get stuck in the birth canal. According to findings, being induced at 39 weeks significantly reduces your chances of needing a Cesarean section surgery.
On average, induced women have shorter hospital stays than those who go into labor on their own. This is because induction often results in faster and more efficient delivery.
Inducing labor also lowers the risk of certain health risks in newborns, such as low birth weight or fetal distress. Overall, babies born via induction tend to be healthier and stronger than those born naturally. While some risks are associated with induced labor, it is generally seen as a safe and effective way to bring a pregnancy to term. If you are considering inducing labor, talk to your doctor or midwife about the benefits and risks to make an informed decision. However, fewer risk factors contributes to the pros of being induced.
One of the leading causes of neonatal death is birth asphyxia when a baby's oxygen supply is cut off during delivery. This can often be avoided through induced labor, as it allows doctors to better monitor the baby's heart rate and other vital signs during a delivery.
Fetal Macrosomia, or babies that weigh more than 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth, are at increased risk for complications such as shoulder dystocia (when the head delivers but the shoulders get stuck). Inducing labor can help reduce the risk of fetal macrosomia by allowing doctors to control when and how quickly the baby is delivered.
There are several cons of being induced which include:
There is also a small risk of uterine rupture when labor is induced. This complication is more likely to occur in women who have had previous C-sections or other abdominal surgery. While the risk of uterine rupture is low, it is still important to discuss this possibility with your doctor before inducing labor.
Another downside of inducing labor is that it can increase the risk of infection for both mom and Baby. This is because induction often involves breaking the water and introducing bacteria into the uterus.
Another downside of induction is that it can sometimes result in more painful contractions. The body is not naturally releasing labor-inducing hormones, and contractions may be less regulated.
For some women, the process of inducing labor can be emotionally stressful. This is because it can be a long and difficult process, and there is often a lot of waiting involved. Such condition is often hard for the family members also which contribute to the cons of being induced further.
Inducing labor often requires medical intervention, whether breaking your water or administering medication. This may not be an ideal option for women looking to have a more natural and low-intervention birth experience.
Inducing labor can also cause a slow heart rate in the baby, increasing the risk of fetal distress and other complications. This is because inducing labor often involves administering medications or other methods that interfere with the baby's normal development. As a result, it is important to weigh these risks before deciding whether to induce labor carefully.
Conclusion on the Pros and cons of being induced
Whether or not to induce labor is a highly personal one and should be made in consultation with your doctor based on your individual health needs and pregnancy circumstances. While there are many potential pros and cons of being induced, there can also be some significant benefits for certain women. Ultimately, it is important to weigh all of the risks and benefits carefully before deciding how you want to approach your labor and delivery.
There are several potential negative consequences of being induced, including an increased risk of complications, such as bleeding or infection. Additionally, there is a higher chance that the baby's heart rate will drop during the induction, which can signify fetal distress. Inducing labor also carries a greater risk for cesarean delivery, which may or may not be necessary.
Inducing labor is sometimes the wisest option for moms and their children. If there are medical reasons to induce, discuss them with your doctor. This allows your baby time to grow and mature before birth, which is beneficial.
There are several medical benefits of induced labor up until full term, including a lower rate of stillbirth and greater fetal growth, which leads to Macrosomia and its consequences. Elective labor induction also reduces the risk of abrupt disruption in the patient's life.
Inducing labor is generally safe, but there are certain dangers: Increased hospital stay. You may be in the hospital longer throughout pregnancy and delivery if you're induced. If you require a C-section after induction, your stay in the hospital will be much longer.
