The Best Consent is Informed Consent
This article is part of my series on pregnancy. For more on pregnancy, see the articles on my content producer page. Also see my articles on homebirth.As you approach the end of your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend labor induction. Most doctors don't sit and explain the risks of such a common procedure adequately with their patients, so I'm hoping to inform you
Contractions that are more painful or difficult to deal with - this leads to the increased use of drugs during pregnancy. The contractions on pitocin are longer and stronger than natural contractions in part because of the way that it is delivered. When you go into labor naturally, you have hormonal spikes which control your contractions, but pitocin is on a continuous drip with no breaks.
Risk of failed labor induction leading to a c-section - if your body isn't ready to deliver, it will hamper the induction. This can lead to a failed induction or other complications that can lead to a c-section. There is now an even bigger problem with c-sections, as many hospitals are now denying women the right to try vaginal birth after a c-section because of the low but serious risks associated with it and to cut down hospital costs. If you end up having a c-section, you may never be able to try for a vaginal birth.
Headaches and back aches - labor induction, even when it fails, can lead to headaches and back aches that make labor more difficult to cope with.
Poor positioning of the fetus - if your baby hasn't gotten into position to deliver but you get an induction, this may not give your baby enough time to get into proper position to make labor go smoothly.
Longer labor - in part due to malposition of the fetus, and in part because the contractions are unnatural and typically premature, this can lead to a longer labor. Longer labors also lead to the use of pain medication or epidurals, both of which can cause complications with the baby and increase your risk of a c-section.
Published by Liz Copeland - Featured Green Contributor
I'm a freelance writer, DMC mentor, and artisan-level embroiderer. I knit, crochet, sew, quilt, and spin my own yarn as well. I'm an instructor for embroidery and other fiber and textile related crafts. View profile
10 Things You & Your Prenatal Care Provider Should Know
If every woman, doctor, and midwife knew these truths, birth would be much safer and more pleasant for mothers and babies.
Know Your Rights and the Routine Hospital Procedures During Labor & Delivery
To have the best possible labor and birth in the hospital, I highly recommend educating yourself on standard hospital procedures and recognizing you always have the choice to limit or refuse any procedure
The Real Deal, What to Expect in Birth Labor
This is written completely from my personal experience in the hospital. While some women in labor may have different experiences, hopefully without complications, this should give moms-to-be an idea of what you have i...
Free Your Mind. The Language and Mindset of Homebirth
This article explores the different mentality of homebirth supporters. A birth story is presented from two viewpoints, as well as some of the reasoning behind why homebirth supp...
Should You Be Induced?
I know a woman who is 39 weeks pregnant and is being induced in a few days. Does she have gestational diabetes? No.
|
|
- Inductions are risky, be informed.
- Inductions can increase your risk of needing a c-section.
- Many hospitals no longer allow VBACs, so you may lose your chance to birth naturally.
(Guest)