For some women an induced labour is more painful than a labour that starts on its own, however this is not true for all women. Epidurals are usually available if needed. Will it work? Sometimes induction does not work and you may not go into labour.
Induced labour is usually more painful than natural labour. Depending on the type of induction you are having, this could range from discomfort with the procedure or more intense and longer lasting contractions as a result of the medication you have been given.
Taking medications for labor induction may cause pain because medications work to intensify uterine contractions. Labor contractions can be quite painful and feel like very strong menstrual cramps.
Typically, a normally progressing labor for a first time parent from the very first sign of labor through birth of a baby can take between 24 to 36 hours. Typically, we expect an induction to last close to 36 hours.
Risks of Induction
Pitocin causes contractions that both peak and become stronger more quickly than naturally occurring contractions. The result is a labor that is more difficult to manage. In addition, the uterine muscle never totally relaxes between contractions, increasing stress on both the uterus and the baby.
It's painful
Oxytocin-induced contractions can also be very strong, and there is often less time to get used to these than when labour starts spontaneously. In addition, the increased number of vaginal examinations and other interventions (such as the insertion of cannulas) can create additional pain or discomfort.
The drip uses syntocinon. This is an artificial form of the hormone oxytocin which usually starts labour. Induction with a drip tends to be more intense and painful than a labour induced only with prostaglandin or having your waters broken.
Your provider may recommend inducing labor if your health or your baby's health is at risk or if you're 2 weeks or more past your due date. For some women, inducing labor is the best way to keep mom and baby healthy. Inducing labor should be for medical reasons only.
Take a long, Epsom salt bath to relax. If you're into pedicures, go get a pedicure or do an at-home manicure. Go get one last (or your first) prenatal massage. Eat your all-time favorite meal and savor the quiet.
Moderate amounts of liquid usually are fine, such as water, tea, black coffee, juice, carbonated beverages, or clear broths. We don't want you to have a huge meal when you're going into labor, but Jell-O, applesauce, Popsicles, or toast may be OK during early labor, while you're still at home.
For some women an induced labour is more painful than a labour that starts on its own, however this is not true for all women. Epidurals are usually available if needed.
Bring things to do during the early stages of your induction. Movies, games, and books are great ways to pass the time with your birthing partner. And while it's exciting to be at the hospital preparing to meet your baby, try to get some sleep if possible.
- If you are having a medical induction, most of the above STILL applies. If it's nighttime, sleep as long as possible. If it's daytime, bring things to the hospital to distract yourself.
Women who have induction at 39 weeks should be allowed up to 24 hours or longer for the early phase of labor. They also should be given oxytocin at least 12–18 hours after stripping of the membranes. If a woman's labor does not progress, it may be considered a failed attempt at induction.
This review, with only three studies with two different comparisons, concludes that induction of labour in the evening is as effective and safe as induction in the morning. However, given the preference of most women, administration of prostaglandins should preferably be done in the morning.
Your body is unlikely to be producing its natural birth hormones, so get relaxed to encourage them. Also, it may be more medical which can be anxiety provoking. Keep the room dimly lit, quiet, put on music, have your birth partner use light touch, make your midwife aware you wish to keep the environment calm.
Before your induction:
Do not shave your abdomen, pubic area, or upper thighs for at least 1 week before your induction. Take off all jewelry. Eat and drink before coming to the hospital unless you are told not to.
Here's what they found: About 17 percent of women who had labor induced ending up having a C-section delivery, while 20 percent of women in the wait-and-see group ended up delivering via C-section.
Some people report an induced labour to be more painful, and the hospital stay during and after birth may be longer. It is also associated with a more negative birth experience (Adler et al, 2020; NICE, 2021a).
The short answer: Being induced doesn't necessarily mean you're on the fast track—inductions can go quickly or last for hours or even days—but you're one step closer to holding that sweet baby in your arms.
The medications used to induce labor — oxytocin or a prostaglandin — might cause the uterus to contract too much, which can lessen the baby's oxygen supply and lower the baby's heart rate.