How to induce labor

With the normal development of pregnancy, the onset of labor can occur on any day from 38 to 42 obstetric weeks. If 42 weeks have already passed, and labor has not begun, the question arises about the artificial induction of labor.

How labor is triggered

The expectant mother needs to know that childbirth should not be called just like that. Usually there are some medical indicators for this. As a rule, a woman at 41-42 obstetric week is referred to maternity hospital and already there, doctors may decide that artificial induction of labor is needed.

This procedure is done in several ways:

• The fetal bladder is opened using special instruments. This leads to the fact that almost all amniotic fluid is poured out and physiological contractions begin. This procedure does not cause any painful sensations and is carried out only if the uterus is ripe for childbirth.
• With insufficient opening of the neck, its digital expansion is made. During this rather unpleasant procedure, the opening of the uterus is helped with the hand.

• Use of suppositories or gels with prostaglandin. This substance prepares cervix to the process of childbirth and is produced naturally in a woman's body. With an insufficient concentration of prostaglandin, it is administered in a dosage form. Labor usually begins 10 hours after drug administration. If this does not happen, then the procedure is repeated.
• If the uterus is ready for childbirth, oxytocin is administered. This hormone causes the uterus to actively contract, so labor can be rapid.

Folk remedies to induce labor

Some moms-to-be are afraid of artificial stimulation and prefer to use the old proven methods of approaching labor. It should be noted that it is safe to do this only if the body has really already managed to prepare for childbirth.

The most popular method of inducing labor is sex. It is generally accepted that after unprotected sex, labor begins quickly enough. The fact is that semen contains prostaglandin, which is necessary for the onset of labor. But during sex, there is a high probability of placental detachment. Therefore, care must be taken not to harm the health of the baby and the expectant mother.

To some extent, active nipple massage can replace sexual contact. In this case, the woman's body releases oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions.

You can also stimulate the birth of a baby in other ways, for example, lifting weights, exercising, or a warm bath. In some cases, the active work of the intestines is capable of provoking childbirth. For this effect, you need to drink a laxative or make an enema to cleanse the intestines. If you don't want to torment your body like that, just include more plant fiber in your menu in the final weeks of pregnancy. Cereals, whole grain bread, fresh vegetables, fruits, currant juice, dishes with beets and parsley are especially effective.

Certain fragrances are known to have the ability to accelerate labor. For example, when inhaling the scent of jasmine or rose, the activity of the uterus is stimulated. In this case, you need to pour a little water into the aroma lamp and add a few drops of aromatic essence there.

When labor is called

It is very dangerous to mindlessly stimulate labor activity. There must be good reasons for this. For example, after 42 weeks pregnancy is already considered pathological. If by this time there are no signs of childbirth, the doctor is simply obliged to make a decision to stimulate the process.

Another good reason for artificial stimulation is fetal hypoxia. Lack of oxygen can lead to entanglement of the umbilical cord, its insufficient length or knots on the umbilical cord. In this case, the child may simply die or develop deficiently after birth.

With Rh-conflict, a lot of antibodies are formed in the mother's blood, rejecting the fetus, like a foreign body. Then, in order to save the child, a decision is made to induce labor.

Is it safe to induce labor

In most cases, the birth of a baby after stimulation of the process takes place without complications. Only in very rare cases is emergency surgery required. How exactly the process of childbirth will take place after their stimulation, no one can say. Definitely, the use of medicines will leave its mark, which should develop naturally.

For example, there is a possibility that the drug stimulation is causing discomfort for the woman. Such a woman in labor has more painful sensations, and the pain itself is stronger. As practice shows, for many women childbirth is delayed due to their own fear. Therefore, the expectant mother just needs to cope with her own nerves and learn to relax. Then artificial stimulation of this natural process will not be required.

If doctors decide on artificial stimulation, it means that this is done only in the interests of saving the life and health of the baby. Therefore, it is imperative to inquire about the reason for such a decision, how the stimulation itself will take place and what you need to prepare for. Most likely, all fears of the expectant mother will be dispelled after a few minutes of conversation with the doctor.