You might consider induction at 39 weeks to reduce the risk of certain health problems. Healthy women whose labor is induced at 39 weeks may have lower rates of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension than women who do not have induction at 39 weeks.
Babies born early (called premature babies) may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born on time. This is why it's important to wait until at least 39 weeks to induce labor.
Mothers choosing to induce labour at 39 weeks have better health outcomes. A new study of more than 1.6 million women has found elective induction of labour at 39 weeks gestation is associated with a 37 per cent decreased risk of perineal injury for labouring mothers.
However, elective induction may be associated with drawbacks such as increased length of labor, the potential for patient/provider impatience, Cesarean delivery, a long latent phase, increased cost, and neonatal morbidity if the gestational age is less than 39 weeks of gestation [3,8].
In addition, it is not an all-or-none choice: the option is not to have elective induction of labor at 39 weeks or refuse elective induction of labor completely. A woman may choose not to be induced at 39 weeks, but may change her mind at 40 weeks.
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 is well established that labor has to be induced in approximately 20 % of pregnancies [1]. However, induction fails in 20 % of induced pregnancies [2].
Because the labour can be more painful, you are more likely to want some type of pain relief. If your labour is induced, you are also more likely to need other interventions, such as the use of forceps or ventouse (vacuum) to assist with the birth of your 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.
If you have a complication, such as pre-eclampsia or diabetes, being induced can be the best way to care for you and your baby and avoid more serious complications. The ultimate advantage of induction is when there is no question that it is safer for your baby to be born soon, than to continue the pregnancy.
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.
Synthetic oxytocin causes your uterus to contract more frequently and more intensely than with natural oxytocin. These intense contractions can affect how much oxygen your baby is receiving. If your baby shows signs of distress, a c-section may become necessary.
In most non-emergency deliveries, the earliest your doctor will induce labor is at 39 weeks. This gives your baby's body and lungs time to fully develop.
Benefits of induction if you are overdue
the very small risk of stillbirth increases. babies are more likely to pass meconium (baby's first poo) during labour. This rarely causes a problem, but if your baby breathes meconium into their lungs, it can cause a serious breathing problem (meconium aspiration)
Your cervix is assessed regularly to check its progress. Induction is not a quick process. Once it has started, it may take more than 24 hours until your baby is born. If your cervix needs to be primed, it may take two days or more.
#2: Synthetic Oxytocin Can Cause Fetal Distress
When you receive synthetic oxytocin, your uterus may contract more frequently and more intensely than with natural oxytocin. This can lead to baby not receiving enough oxygen, which means fetal distress.
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.
In human and animal studies spontaneous onset of labour is proven to have a circadian rhythm with a preference for start of labour in the evening. Moreover, when spontaneous labour starts in the evening, the total duration of labour and delivery shortens and fewer obstetric interventions are needed.
“You can have food during labor, especially during the initial phase,” Dr. Gelfand suggests. Not eating for long periods of time can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be harmful for both the birth parent and their baby, says Dr. Gelfand.
In fact, results from the general Michigan sample were contradictory to the ARRIVE trial: People who underwent elective induction were more likely to have a cesarean birth compared with those who underwent expectant management (30% versus 24%.)
At a Glance. A large study found that, for healthy women, inducing labor at full term rather than waiting for natural labor doesn't increase the risk of major complications for newborns. The findings also reverse the notion that inducing labor at full term increases the risk of needing surgical delivery.
You might consider induction at 39 weeks to reduce the risk of certain health problems. Healthy women whose labor is induced at 39 weeks may have lower rates of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension than women who do not have induction at 39 weeks.
Each induction method carries some specific potential risks, so you and your care provider have to weigh the risks and benefits against the risks and benefits of continuing the pregnancy without inducing labour. Some uncommon but serious risks include uterine rupture and heavy bleeding after delivery.