Induction of Labor*
Labor is induced to cause a pregnant woman’s cervix to thin out and open to prepare for the vaginal birth of her baby. Labor may be induced if the health of the woman or the baby is at risk. Whether your labor will be induced depends on the condition of you and your baby, how far along the pregnancy is, the status of your cervix, and other factors. Unless a problem occurs, labor induction is not generally done before 41-42 weeks of pregnancy. Under special circumstances, an induction may be performed as early at 39 weeks. The decision regarding timing of an induction should be made on an individual basis between the patient and our doctors at Lee OB/GYN. Reasons for inducing labor may include one or more of the following conditions:
*Information taken from the ACOG Induction of Labor Pamphlet
Labor is induced to cause a pregnant woman’s cervix to thin out and open to prepare for the vaginal birth of her baby. Labor may be induced if the health of the woman or the baby is at risk. Whether your labor will be induced depends on the condition of you and your baby, how far along the pregnancy is, the status of your cervix, and other factors. Unless a problem occurs, labor induction is not generally done before 41-42 weeks of pregnancy. Under special circumstances, an induction may be performed as early at 39 weeks. The decision regarding timing of an induction should be made on an individual basis between the patient and our doctors at Lee OB/GYN. Reasons for inducing labor may include one or more of the following conditions:
- Your pregnancy is postterm (more than 41-42 weeks).
- You have high blood pressure caused by your pregnancy.
- You have health problems that could harm you or your baby.
- You have an infection in the uterus.
- You have premature rupture of membranes (your water has broken too early).
- There may be other reasons why labor induction may be needed. For instance, your labor may be induced if you are at term and live a far distance from the hospital or if you are at risk for rapid delivery.
*Information taken from the ACOG Induction of Labor Pamphlet