Ask a Doctor

Elizabeth Sabol, MD
Northeast OB-GYN, Inc.
1080 Beecher Crossing North
Gahanna, OH 43230
(614) 476-4101

Q: Why are some births induced? What are the benefits/weaknesses of this versus going into labor naturally?

A: Induction of labor is the process of starting labor from scratch and continuing labor through artificial means. This may be accomplished by breaking the bag of water (called amniotomy) or by using medication to induce labor. Medicine may be given through an IV or through vaginal suppositories.

Labor is induced to prevent adverse outcomes, which may arise from specific medical indications. Indications for inducing labor are:

• complications of pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, suspected low birth weight or diabetes
• problems with the fetal heart rate pattern
• your due date has passed

There are some significant complications of labor induction.  Inducing labor does increase your risk of cesarean section. Prolapse of the umbilical cord through the cervix may occur after amniotomy. This is an emergent situation that requires emergent cesarean section. There are also risks of having more frequent or stronger contractions when undergoing induction. The induction of labor may not be successful in producing contractions. Either of these may create fetal distress and result in cesarean section. 

Overall, the risks of labor induction must be weighed against the benefits of the outcome. For those who meet criteria to be a candidate for labor induction, this is an important and generally safe method of having a successful vaginal delivery.