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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLabor induction — also known as inducing labor — is a procedure used to stimulate uterine contractions during pregnancy before labor begins on its own. Successful labor induction leads to a vaginal birth. A health care provider might recommend labor induction for various reasons, primarily when there's concern for a mother's health or a baby's health.
Labor induction carries various risks, including infection and the need for a C-section. Sometimes the benefits of labor induction outweigh the risks, however. If you're pregnant, understanding why and how labor induction is done can help you prepare.
References
- Wing DA. Induction of labor. http://www.uptodate/com/home/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- What to expect after your due date. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp069.cfm. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Tita ATN, et al. Timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:111.
- Wing DA. Induction of labor in women with prior cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate/com/home/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Clark SL, et al. Neonatal and maternal outcomes associated with elective term delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;100:156.
- Wing DA. Techniques for cervical ripening prior to labor induction. http://www.uptodate/com/home/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Labor induction. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp154.cfm. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Battista LH, et al. Abnormal labor and induction of labor. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Inc.; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50015-3&isbn=978-0-443-06930-7&uniqId=243410035-2#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50015-3. Accessed May 11, 2011.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=6026579. Accessed May 11, 2011.
- Belogolovkin V, et al. Umbilical cord prolapse. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 11, 2011.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Induction of labor. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 107. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;114:386.
- Healthy pregnancy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/labor-birth.cfm. Accessed May 11, 2011.
- Management of labor. Bloomington, Minn.: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. http://www.icsi.org/labor/labor__management_of__full_version__2.html. Accessed May 12, 2011.
- Meconium aspiration syndrome. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec23/ch264/ch264i.html. Accessed May 12, 2011.
- Grotegut CA, et al. Oxytocin exposure during labor among women with postpartum hemorrhage secondary to uterine atony. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011;204:56.e1.
- Thinking About Inducing Your Labor: A Guide for Pregnant Women. http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=353#toc. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Accessed June 1, 2011.
- Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Technique. http://www.uptodate/com/home/index.html. Accessed July 1, 2011.
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