induction of labor
Occasionally, your labor may be induced during your pregnancy. This is done for a magnitude of situations which may include maternal illness such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, uterine infection and more. Other reasons may include fetal illnesses or 42 weeks of completed gestation.
There are several processes used for induction and each is used for specific reasons.
Breaking the Bag of Water
This type of induction is performed using an instrument called an amniohook which is used by a physician to make a tiny tear in the bag of water. This will cause the water to begin leaking out and is no more painful than your average vaginal exam. Usually once the bag is ruptured, labor contractions will begin.
Pitocin
This is an artificial version of the body's hormone oxytocin and is administered through an IV and used to cause contractions. The chemical will be released at an appropriate rate by your physician until a regular contraction pattern is received.
prostaglandin gels/suppositories
This process is typically used to induce labor when the cervix is not in a favorable state (usually less than 3cm dilated and other characteristics). This is usually given to patients 12 hours prior to labor and is deposited near the cervix during a vaginal exam.
misoprostal
This is a pill that is taken either orally or deposited near the cervix. It is most often used when the condition of the cervix is not favorable.
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