How to Avoid an Induction of Labor

The Induction of Labor Is Quite Common

The induction of labor, or starting labor artificially, is fairly common. Rates of induction have been steadily climbing as more and more social or elective inductions (inductions for non-medical reasons) are done. Social inductions may happen for the convenience of the doctor, midwife, or family; for changing due dates; or for other reasons. But the truth is that induction of labor increases complication rates, including the use of cesarean section. (However, a 2018 study of elective inductions in low-risk women found they resulted in fewer C-sections than spontaneous labor.)

1. Maternal illness (e.g., high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, uterine infection, etc.)
2. Fetal illness
3. 42 completed weeks of gestation

In addition to these recommendations, providers might suggest an induction if amniotic fluid levels are low, or if your water has broken without being followed by contractions within 24 hours. The ACOG also says that inductions without medical indication should not happen prior to 39 weeks gestation. There are simply too many risks to the baby prior to that timing.

Pregnant women should not feel guilt or shame about needing an induction, but you may still want to avoid an induction when it’s not medically necessary. Here’s what some real moms have to say about how they did that.

Communicate With Your Doctor

Throughout your pregnancy, it’s important to build a relationship with your health care provider. This makes it easier to communicate your feelings about induction and your desired birth plan. When you have a good relationship with a doctor who understands and respects your desires, you will feel more comfortable making tough decisions, like whether to induce. You’ll trust that if your doctor is making that recommendation, they are doing so with yours and your baby’s best interests in mind.

Decline Unnecessary Ultrasounds

Sometimes third-trimester ultrasounds are used to estimate a baby’s size and potential birth weight. These estimates may then factor into a provider’s suggestion to induce labor or even plan a C-section delivery. If a baby seems small, the provider may be concerned about intrauterine growth restriction. If a baby seems large, the issue is the potential for shoulder dystocia during delivery. But since these weight estimates are just that—estimates, which research has shown can vary in accuracy — they could lead to an unneeded induction.

Check Caregivers’ Induction Rates

As you are meeting potential health care providers, ask questions, including their thoughts on the induction of labor and how common it is among their patients. Look for a provider who has a history of supporting births with fewer interventions, a practice that employs certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), and/or providers with a history of working well with other birth professionals such as doulas.

Being a well-informed advocate for yourself and your baby is important during pregnancy. It is your first taste of what your job as a parent will often include. But as with parenthood, flexibility is also crucial. Be prepared, because your delivery may not unfold exactly as laid out in the birth plan (they rarely do).

For support during your pregnancy and postpartum schedule a consult.  I will answer your questions and help develop some goals and desires for your pregnancy, labor and postpartum times.  You can schedule a consult here.