Labor Induction Specialist in Boston, MA

What is Labor Induction?

Labor induction is helping with childbirth when deemed medically necessary. Inducing labor can be to initiate or help accelerate the birth of the baby, and is fairly common.

The board-certified OB/GYNs at Brigham-Faulkner OB/GYN have extensive experience performing labor inductions and will be sure to answer any questions you may have. Call (617) 983-7003 to request an obstetric appointment at our OB/GYN clinic in Boston, MA today.

Reasons for Labor Induction

There are several reasons your OBGYN may suggest inducing labor to help with the save arrival of a new baby.

Common reasons for inducing labor include:

• Previous experience with childbirth
• Past due date
• Health complication
• Your pregnancy has lasted more than 41 to 42 weeks.
• You have health problems, such as problems with your heart, lungs, or kidneys
• You have high blood pressure or gestational diabetes
• There are problems with the placenta
• There are problems with the fetus, such as poor growth
• If there is an infection in the uterus
• If your labor stalls
• If your labor isn’t progressing

If a health care provider recommends labor induction, it’s typically because the benefits outweigh the risks. Elective labor induction is the starting of labor for convenience when there’s no medical need. It can be useful for women who live far from the hospital or birthing center or who have a history of fast deliveries.

How Labor Induction Works

Labor induction is typically done to initiate contractions of the uterus artificially. There are several ways to induce labor.

A few of them are:

• Medication for cervix – this helps to to soften, thin (efface) and open (dilate) your cervix to prepare it for childbirth
• Cervical ripening balloon – to help your body prepare for labor
• Membrane sweeping – gently separating the amniotic sac from the cervix can stimulate the release of natural lipids and hormones
• Break your water – rupturing the amniotic sac to help labor progress
• Medication for contractions – can help if labor stops progressing on its own like oxytocin or pitocin

Benefits of Labor Induction

Some benefits of labor induction include:

• Lower risk of stillbirth
• Reduced medical complications
• Ensures medical help is nearby
• Lower risk of developing high blood pressure
• Close monitoring of mom and baby

There are some risks as well, and so it is important to talk to your doctor to see what is best for you.

When Can an Obstetrician Induce Labor?

The timing of labor induction varies depending on the health of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy care providers weigh the risks and benefits of inducing labor. Typically, it is recommended to wait until at least 39 weeks of pregnancy to duce labor, however, this can vary based on the health of the mother and baby.

How long it takes for your body to labor after being induced will also vary based on your unique situation.

Am I a Candidate?

Labor induction is a medical procedure used when the natural onset of labor is delayed or when there are medical concerns about the health of the mother or baby. It is typically performed to ensure the well-being of both during childbirth.

If your obstetrician recommends labor induction, they will discuss the specific reasons and methods with you, considering your unique circumstances.